Heritage of the trans-Alleghany pioneers, or, Resources of central West Virginia

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HERITAGE

OF THE

Trans-Alleghany Pioneers,

Resources of Central ijjestlfcinia,

By Thomas Bruce,

Author of : "Cupid and Duty." "Historical Sketch of Roanoke."

."That Brusin' Lad O1 Graystone Lodge." "South

West Virginia and Shenandoah Valley."

COPYRIGHT SECURED.

Nichols, Killam & Maffitt,

publishers,

Baltimore, Md.

1894.

Copyrighted 1894,
BY THOMAS BRUCE.

HON. JOHNSON N. CAMDEN,
U. S. Senator from Parkersburg, W. Va.

PREFACE,

Heritage of the Traxs-Alleghaxy Pioneers is now
before the public. In the treatment of the subject, the author
has endeavored to pursue the same lines in this work, that he
adopted in former publications of a like nature. It has been his
■constant effort to maintain truth and impartiality at the expense
of all other considerations, whether of a personal, or financial
nature. The utmost care has been used in the investigation of
facts, and compilation of statistics, none of which have been
taken second-hand, and all of which have been subjected to the
most crucial test. Owing to intense interest in the subject-
matter, the work has been leather a labor of love than otherwise,
wreathed with such memorials of bright pleasure, as completely
obscm-e the privations, and vexations usually and necessarily
attendant upon a work of this nature. In a field that is com-
paratively new, the acquisition of new realms of knowledge
repays a world of care : so, in the prosecution of this work, time
has been literally swallowed up in investigating nature's handi-
work, marked so significantly by its epochs.

To the many good people, who reside in Central West Vir-
ginia, and to the various railway systems in the sections, as well
as elsewhere, the author is more than deeply indebted. In every
way, have they contributed to lighten his labors, and make the
work more agreeable. The acquisition of facts pure and simple
is at all times a difficult task, but in the prosecution of this work,
the effort was made much easier by the kindness of those who
had it in their power to aid. And to the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad, the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, the Monon-
gahela River Railroad, and the Ohio River Railroad, and the
West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad, the author is
deeply indebted for every facility possible that could aid him
in his undertaking. And in the judgment that may be placed
on this, his latest effort, by far from perfect, it is but natural he
should trust a great deal more to the indulgence of a kind public,
than to any great merit in the work itself.

The Author.

INTRODUCTION

In tracing the footsteps of the early Pioneers, who were so
brave as to cross the Alleghany Mountains to settle the land for
successive generations, we find them leading westward through
what is now the central part of West Virginia, running east, and
west. The heritage transmitted by them to their descendants is
a glorious one, being rich in natural wealth beyond calculation.
No State in the Union has increased more rapidly within the
past ten years in material wealth than West Virginia. But, up
to three or four years ago this development was confined chiefly
to the northern part bordering along the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad, and the southern part bordering the Norfolk and
Western, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroads. The reason
for this may be accounted for on the ground there were no trans-
portation facilities. But the advent of railway systems into
Central West Virginia within the past few years has created the
beginning of a material development, that is as yet in its infancy.

In writing upon this subject, we have taken the section of
West Virginia, embracing the counties of Mineral, Grant,
Tucker, Randolph, Pocahontas, Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Gilmer,
Braxton, Upshur, Lewis, Harrison, Doddridge, Ritchie, AVirt,
Roane, Wood, Jackson and Mason, which compose Central West
Virginia, running east to west. This country is as yet but parti-
ally developed, and is virtually unknown to the outside world.
In our treatment of the subject, we have detailed its early settle-
ment, and history. A careful, pains-taking account is then given
of the topography, scenery, climate, and soil of the country.
This is followed by an account of the various railway systems,
that have developed it, and disembowelled a sufficient quantity
of its riches to let us know what is in the regions — nothing more
as yet. The agricultural resources are treated carefully, and
statistically in every way, followed by a full and accurate de-
scription of the vast mineral resources of the region. The com-
mercial prosperity is then adverted to, with an impartial account
of the educational facilities, and Christian privileges of the
country. Full credit is given the various corporations, and
individuals which have assisted in the development, and every-
think tending towards any advertising carefully excluded. The
author can confidently assert, that the work may justly claim
the merit of having been truthfully, and impartially written.

HERITAGE OF THE TRANS-ALLEEHANY PIONEERS,

OR,

oficzouzccz o| Qcnkzal ^Wcsk ^iz^inia.

CHAPTER I.

First Adventurers of Virginia west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Col. Abraham Wood. — Expedition of Capt. Batte and Party.
Governor Spottswood and his Knights. — Colonels Patton and
Buchanan. — The Ingles Party. — Drapers Meadows Settlements,
in Montgomery. — Pioneer Settlers in West Virginia. — Settle-
ments on the Ohio River. — On the Buckhannon. and Elk Rivers.
Early Pioneers on the Monongahela, West Fork, and TygarVs
Valley Rivers. — Gradual Settlement of the Sections until the
War of 1774.

In the year 1738, Augusta County was taken from Orange,
and at that period, in addition to its present boundaries, included
all of the section west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, that repre-
sented the undefined claims of Virginia. Chronological records
of the footsteps of the hardy adventurers who first trod
the trackless wilderness west of the mountains, and into
West Augusta, are scanty in the extreme. The hardships and
daily toils of the early settlers to gain a scanty livelihood,
added to the danger of uncertain attacks from the Indians, pre-
vented the preservation of any records whatever as to their
movements, lives and habits, in a permanent form ; so, meagre
materials and family traditions play a leading part. Even the
brief histories undertaken upon the subject are unconnected and
disjointed, most of them having been written and compiled by
probably some one desiring to call the attention of the coming
generations to deeds of valor performed, and sufferings endured

8 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

by his ancestors. The class of men who first went into the wilds
of the mountains of Virginia to find new habitations, were not
of the kind caring much for historical records ; they rather pre-
ferred a musket and knapsack ; and new countries to wander in
for the purpose of opening up some undiscovered land. So, the
future historian must grope his way, as it were, in the dark.

There has been some discussion among writers as to who was
the first white man that crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains going
westward. But from the best evidence we have upon the subject
now, there can be but little doubt that Colonel Abraham Wood
made the daring attempt. In the year 1653 he resided in Appo-
mattox County, near the present site of the City of Petersburg.
His object in taking such a dangerous trip, was to satisfy an
adventurous, roving disposition ; to explore the country west ;
and to open up a trade with the Indians. He obtained permis-
sion from the Governor of Virginia, and in 1654, started on his
perilous journey, from the return of which in safety, his friends
very much doubted. It is to be heartily regretted that neither
the names, nor number of men he took with him, were recorded,
or left in any w^ay by which they might have been known.
There can be no doubt of the route taken by him, for "Wood's
Gap," known to be named after him, lies in the Blue Ridge
Mountains, between Smith's branch of Dan River and the Little
River branch of New River. So he must have first struck Little
River, which he followed from the line of Virginia and North
Carolina, until he reached the larger stream, now known as
New River. After this, his route is unknown, and the duration
of his stay uncertain. He probably went down the river some
distance. (1)

What was the fate of Colonel Wood's party, or the exact
result of his efforts to open a trade with the Indians, is not
known, but the presumption is that the latter was unsuccssful.
It is certain that the Indians were very unfriendly towards the
next party crossing the Blue Ridge, for the guides refused to
conduct it farther than a fixed point in the west, on the ground
that certain tribes there had been unfriendly towards the whites :
as Colonel Wood's companions were the only whites who had
ever crossed the Blue Ridge, it must have been his party to

(1) Tradition has it that this river was at first called "Wood's River,'* but
there is no historical evidence of such a fact. Following Little River until he
came to its mouth, he saw the larger stream, and since it was a new river
he doubtless called it "New River."

Resources of Ventral West Virginia. 9

whom the guides referred ; so, we naturally infer from this cir-
cumstance that Colonel Wood's negotiations with the Indians
for the purpose of establishing a trade with them were not very
successful. (2)

In I6lj(j, fourteen years after Colonel Wood's adventure, Sir
William Berkley was Governor of Virginia. Desiring to learn
something of this new. country west of the Blue Ridge Moun-
tains, he dispatched a Captain Batte, with fourteen Virginians,
and fourteen Indians, to make an exploration — all of whom
started from Appomattox. (3) The route pursued by them is not
known, but they had not proceeded very far west of the moun-
tains before the Indian guides conducting them, refused to escort
them farther, on the ground that the tribes of Indians beyond
had been unfriendly to a white party. That Captain Batte was
upon New River, is almost certain, for on his return he mentions
having followed a river westward until he reached some salt
springs. As New River rises in North Carolina, and flows
directly northwest, cutting its way through the Alleghany
Mountains, this is more than probable the stream to which he
refers. The salt springs (4) must have been those in Kanawha
Valley, so we may naturally suppose he and his party were that
far West. Captain Batte and party must have been impressed
with the country, for on their return they made such a flattering
report, that Governor Berkley announced his intention of making
an expedition west, which, if carried out, would have been of
great service to posterity, since his followers would have pre-
served aruple records of the adventure. For almost fifty years
after Captain Batte's expedition, there is no record of anyone's
having penetrated west of the Blue Ridge. It remained for the
eighteenth century, and one clothed in fine linen, and purple, to
make a clear record of an exploration beyond the ethereal peaks
of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In June, 1710, Governor Spottswood penetrated the Blue
Ridge Mountains at "Swift Run Gap11 with a band of horsemen.
From Peyton's Ford on the Rapidan he proceeded by the present
site of Stanardsville, passing through the Blue Bidge by way of

(2) It is said Colonel Wood passed the Anvil Cliffs at New River, White
Sulphur Springs.

(3) "Trans- Alleghany Pioneers.'" By J. P. Hale. This work is both pains-
taking- and interesting-.

(4) Mr. J. P. Hale, in his admirable work, already referred to, says it was
Campbell's Creek salt spring. "Trans-Alleghany Pioneers."

10 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

the Gap named above. Crossing the Shenandoah River a short
distance below the spot where Shendun now rests, he pushed
forward west across Shenandoah Valley until he reached a
mountain. Ascending this, he obtained a view of the country
beyond, which pleased him immensely. (5) On the return of his
party to the east, they gave a glowing description of the weird
scenery, and fertile soil. Governor Spottswood, desiring to
establish settlers west of the Blue Rid^e, created the 'Trans-
montaine Order, or Knights of the Golden Horse-Shoe," giving
to everyone a miniature horse-shoe who expressed a desire to
cross the mountains, which bore the Latin inscription : "Sic
Jurat transeendere montes." But it was not for members of the
Order of the "Golden Horse-Shoe*' to open up and civilize the
Wild West, bul a sturdier, and hardier set of gentlemen. (6)

In 1736 Colonel James Patton obtained a patent of land,
amounting to 120.000 acres, which he located in that part of
Virginia, now known as Botetourt County. With him came his
son-in-law Colonel John Buchanan, Mr. William Preston. Mr.
John Christian. Ben. Burden and others. Colonel Patton located
his lands on James River, in a lovely valley, and two towns
subsequently sprang up on opposite sides of the James River,,
called Buchanan and Pattonsburg, in honor of the founders,
Colonels Patton and Buchanan. Both Colonel Patton and John
Buchanan were members of the expedition which travelled
through the western part of Virginia into Kentucky in the year
1748, when the Gap was discovered in Tennessee, which was
afterwards named in honor of the Duke of Cumberland. During
their explorations they passed both Caesar's Arch and Pompey's
Pillar on New River, in Giles, and travelled as far as the spot

(5) Gov. Spottswood is reported as having- said : "This is God's country."
(6i In 1727, John Van Matre. an Indian trader, from an old Knickerbocker
family on the Hudson, penetrated what was known to the Indians as Wappato-
mica Valley— now know as the South Fork of the Shenandoah Valley, and on
his return home gave such a nattering description of it. that in 1730. his son.
Isaac Van Matre. after seeing- the country with his brother John, obtained a
patent for ±0.000 acres from Governor Gooch. Many descendants of this family
still live in the Shenandoah Valley The Rev. W. C. Campbell, the eminent
divine of Roanoke City, Virginia, is a descendant of this stock.

Joist Hite purchased a portion of the Van Matre patent, and in the year
1738, with his family, his sons in-law. George Bowman. Jacob Chrisman, and
Paul Frothman with their families ; and Robert McKay. Robert Green. William
Duff, Peter Stephens and others, came into the valley, settling around and near
the spot where Winchester. Virginia, now stands, in lower Shenandoah Valley-
This was the first patent of lands west of Blue Ridge Mountains.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 11

where Pembroke Station now stands, on the New River Division
of the Norfolk and Western Railroad. Near this point flows the
creek, named in honor of Dr. Walker, and which bears the same
title to the present day. The object of this expedition was to gain
some insight into the country with reference to obtaining a
grant ; for on their return the "Loyal Land Company11 was
organized, based on a grant of 800,000 acres, north of the lines of
the Carolinas, and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the
company was incorporated June, 1749. (7)

The first location we know of in Augusta County, Virginia,
was the one made by John Lewis at " Bellefonte," which stood
one mile east of the spot where Staunton now stands. The way
in which this section happened to become the residence of John
Lewis in 1732, is one of the many peculiar ways by which new
countries are settled and opened up — the pioneer being driven
from the land of his nativity. John Lewis, in 1714, was a resi-
dent of County Donegal, Province of Ulster, Ireland, where he
owned a leasehold, dependant upon the lives of others. Sir
Mungo Campbell, one of his landlords, having become involved
in financial troubles, attempted to extricate himself by raising
the rents paid by his tenantry in Ireland. This, Lewis refused to-
submit to, and when a number of persons attempted to eject
him, and fired upon his dwelling which was barricaded, he rush-
ed out with a club, and killed both the Lord of the Manor and
his steward. Of course, he was forced to flee for his life after
this ; so, gathering a few necessaries, he wandered over many
countries, landing in 1729 at Oporto, in Portugal. There he met
a brother engaged in the mercantile business, who advised him
to proceed to the United States, promising to send his family
after him. In the winter of 1731-32 he was at Lancaster, Penn-
sylvania, and in the summer of 1732 moved to "Bellfonte," lo-
cated in Augusta County, where his family joined him after-
wards. He was a very prominent man on the frontier, and in
1745 was made one of the Justices of Augusta. Subsequently,
he was pardoned, and granted large quantities of land in the
section now recognized as West Virginia. He made the survey

(7) The descendants and connections of these families— Colonel Patton's
and Colonel John Buchanan's— have thrown out their branches in many direc-
tions, having given both Virginia and Kentucky some of their most eminent,
people, among whom may be mentioned : the Pattons, Prestons. Buchanans,
Thompsons, Madisons, Breckenridges, Peytons, Bowyers. Crittendens, and
others.

12 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

of land in the same county for the Greenbrier Company in 1749-
50, naming the river "Greenbrier," because he became entangled
in a pateh of greenbriars near its borders. (8)

The earliest patent of lands issued in the upper part of the
valley west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was the grant made
on September 6th, 1736, by Governor William Gooch. These
lands were obtained by: Sir John Randolph, of Williamsburg;
William Beverly, of Essex ; and John Robinson, of the County
of King-and-Queen. They were located within the present
boundaries of Augusta County, including the present site of
Staunton, and contained 118,491 acres of the most fertile of Au-
gusta's soil. The magisterial district in which Staunton is
located is still called "Beverly Manor." The result of this
patent being issued was a wholesome one ; settlers began to
pour in from the lower part of Shenandoah Valley, causing Au-
gusta to increase rapidly in population. At this time Augusta
County comprised all the undefined territory of Virginia west of
the Blue Ridge Mountains. It continued to hold this vast
area of country until 1763, when, by the treaty with France,
its western boundaries were limited by the Mississippi River,
and its area included the States of West Virginia, Kentucky,
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.

While John Lewis was living in his modest house at " Bell-
lonte," during the year 1736, he was visited by one Benjamin
Burden, a merchant from New Jersey, and agent for Lord Fair-
fax. He made frequent trips to eastern Virginia, and during
•one of these was persuaded by Lewis to spend some months in
hunting with him. On one of these hunts he caught, and after-
terwards tamed, a young Buffalo calf, which he presented to
Governor Gooch on his return to tide-water Virginia. This so
pleased the highest official of Virginia, that he ordered a grant
of land to be issued to Burden of 400,000 acres on the upper wa-
ters of the Shenandoah and James Rivers. This embraced,
when plotted off, the southern portion of Augusta, and the
whole of Rockbridge. (9) This land was populated through

(8) Gen. Andrew Lewis, the hero of Point Pleasant, and his brother Charles,
killed at the same place, were sons of John Lewis of Augusta. One of John
Lewis' descendants married a Miss Tosh, daughter of Thomas Tosh of Roanoke
County, and some of the land on which Roanoke City stands was sold by Major
Andrew Lewis, and Col. Thomas Lewis, two brothers, who are lineal descend-
ants of John Lewis of Augusta. This worthy gentleman had many other de-
scendants of distinguished fame, who have figured publicly in various ways.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 1&

Burden's efforts, who sailed for England, and returned at once
with at least one hundred families, among whom were : the
McDowells, Alexanders, Moors, Telfords and Mathews. Also,
the Prestons, Paxtons, Lyles, Grigsbys, Stuarts, Crawfords,
Cumminses, Browns, Wallaces, Wilsons, Caruthers, Campbells,
McCampbells, McCues, McKees, and McKowans. Most of
these were Irish Presbyterians, of Scotch extraction ; and their
descendants, having nearly the same family names, are all
Presbyterians, and generally spoken of as Scotch-Irish.* They
had suffered persecution, and on that account were a clan-
nish set — honest, shrewd, and strongly inclined towards the
confession of faith. They are by no means lenient towards-
what they deem wrong-doing, unless one of their clan is
the offender — in him they rarely see anything that is not
right. But in nearly all things they are exemplary people,
partaking strongly of the characteristics of their original
leader, Benjamin Burden. (10) Some of these people pushed
their way with their descendants into that section of country
adjoining Augusta, and Rockbridge Counties, known as Bath,
Alleghany and Craig Counties. Many went from Botetourt to
the latter county, whose descendants are still living, possessing-
the lands originally owned by their forefathers. As the lands
in Lower and Upper Shenandoah Valley began to be populated,
and the country on James River settled up, the most adventur-
ous settlers commenced pushing their way — first across the
"divide," between Roanoke and New River; then farther west
into the section now known as West Virginia.

(9) This survey was made by Captain John McDowell, who was afterwards in
1743 killed by a party of Shawnee Indians, near the Natural Bridge in Rock-
bridge County, Virginia.

♦After the fight of Bothwell Bridge in Scotland, numbers of the Scotch tied to
the province of Ulster in Ireland, in order to escape imprisonment and death.
They dwelt for some time there, but enactments beiDg passed by which they
were prosecuted in every way imaginable, on account of their religious faith,
they tied to America, at first locating in Pennsylvania. Others were brought
over as kind of slaves : having bound themselves to work for such a length of
time to pay for their passage across. Colonel James Patton brought many
over as an agent, and they located principally in that section, now known as
Augusta, Rockbridge iin.1 Botetourt Counties. On account of having been,
connected with Scotland and Ireland both, they were termed Scotch-Irish, and
having been drawn together through persecution and adventure, were
extremely clannish.

(10) Burden's reputation for honesty was so proverbial, that to express the
safety of any financial matter, the settlers said: "as good as Ben Burden's-
bond."

14 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Among the settlers who came up the upper James with
Colonel Patton, and settled in the section known afterwards as
Botetourt, were the Drapers. In 1744, George Draper, the head
of this family, in company with one Thomas Ingles, and his son
William, took a trip westward. Sometime afterwards George
Draper went upon a hunting expedition, and never having been
heard from again, his family supposed he was killed by the
Indians.* The Ingles' settled at Pattonsburg until 1748. After
the return of Dr. Thomas Walker and Colonel James Patton
from their western expedition in quest of land on which to locate
a patent, the latter gave glowing accounts of the valley, beyond
what was then known as the Alleghany Mountains, but really
the floor of the valley raised, which is now crossed by the Norfolk
and Western Railroad between Roanoke and Christiansburg.
Led on by the many favorable reports of the soil beyond this
mountain, some of the settlers in the section known now as
Botetourt, determined to venture there and make permanent
settlements. Thomas Ingles and his three sons, Mrs. George
Draper, her son and daughter, Adam Harnian, Henry Lenard,
and Janies Burke moved outward to cast their fortunes farther
west. The following account of this settlement has been already
given :

"They chose one of the loveliest spots imaginable for their
home — that beautiful and lovely plateau of fertile land on which
the site of Blacksburg is now located. Here they erected their
rude huts, and residences of logs rough-hewn, naming the place.
Draper's Meadows, which was at this time (1748) the only white
settlement near the Alleghanies, and the one farthest west.
Things went prosperously along with them, and by their enco-
miums upon the fertility of the soil, splendid scenery, and balmy
climate, other settlers were induced to come. William Harbison,
(12) George Hoopaugh. James Cull and the Lybrooks, (13)
came in, the latter settling on Sinking Creek, below the New

(11) Lewis' History of West Virginia. P. P. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69.

* "Trans-Alleghany Pioneers." By J. P. Hale.
1 12 1 Some of the descendents of William Harbison moved to Kentucky!
a portion are now residing in the charming' town of Augusta, in Bracken
County.

(13) The Lybrooks in Craig County, as well as Giles, and Bland, are de-
scendants of these original pioneers. Some members of the family have been
distinguished, notably among whom is Judge Lybrook, one of the four mem-
bers of the Virginia representatives who occasioned the political downfall of
General William Mahone of Petersburg, Va.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 15

River White Sulphur Springs. All were engaged steadily at
work in clearing their lands, and making themselves as happy
and prosperous as the state of their circumstances would per-
mit. They were on the friendliest terms with the Indians, who
passed and repassed the settlement without any hostile signs
whatever. At times, joy and festivities enlivened the adventur-
ers, for Mary, one of Mrs. Draper's daughters, had succumbed
to the dictations of the Grod of love, and married William, one
of Thomas Ingles' sons. With the exception of one or two small
depredations made against Harman, and Hoopaugh, who lived
nearer New River than the rest, there was perfect unanimity be-
tween the white settlers and Indians. But this pleasant state
of affairs was not to continue. On July 8th, 1755, the day before
the English army was so ignominiously defeated under General
Braddock. the Indians, knowing that the whites were at war
with the French, and doubtless instigated by the latter, began
a series of raids. They made one upon this peaceful settlement,
killing, wounding or capturing every soul. Colonel Patton, (14)
Casper Barries, and a child of John Draper were killed, while
Mrs. John Draper, and Mrs. Cull, were severely wounded. Mrs.
William Ingles (nee Draper), Mrs. John Draper, and Henry
Lenard were captured prisoners. James Burke would doubtless
have shared the same fate, but in 1754, he moved to that portion
of the country now known as Tazwell County. (15) Mrs. Wil-
liam Ingles afterwards made her escape, and returned to her
family." (16)'

She lived many years after this, (17), and a number of her
descendents now reside on New River in Montgomery County,
near Radford, Virginia, chief among whom is Captain William
Ingles, who lives on a portion of the land originally owned by
Thomas Ingles, son of Mary, William's wife. (18)

(14) Colonel Patton and Casper Barries were on a visit to the settlement,
having- come from Pattonsburg (now Buchanan) on the James River, wending
their way westward.

(15) James Burke, first opened up, and cultivated a portion of the magni-
ficent valley in Tazwell County, known as "Burke's Garden," which was named
after him. Many of his descendants reside there now, and the valley is a syn-
onym for the finest blue grass, and fertility of soil of any county in Virginia.

(16) "South West Virginia and Shenandoah Valley." By Thomas Bruce.

(17) Mrs. Ingles' capture, and escape from the Indians is sad and touching
to the last degree. She, with her children, and another lady were conveyed
down New River, thence down the Kanawha to the Ohio River, and on to the
Indian camps in the Scioto Valley. During the journey she gave birth to an-

10 Heritage of the Tratis-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Prior to the year 1749, the Greenbrier Land Company
employed an astute attorney to frame its charter, and in 1749-50
John Lewis was the paity instructed to survey the boundaries
of this company. In 1751 the corporation was authorized to
locate one hundred thousand acres of land on the waters of the
Greenbrier. This country at this time was considered in the
wilds of the west, for as yet no human habitation for the white
man had been made within its borders, nor permanent settle-
ments located. Hitherto, West Virginia had been the home of
the wild beasts alone, the Indians even eschewing it as a place

other child, yet continued her march, exhibiting- a nerve and fortitude rarely
seen in a womin. While on the trip, by her useful knowledge, adroit acts, and
pleasant address, she won the esteem, and respect of the Indians, who proposed
gaining a ransom for herself and children, the latter of whom, except her
babe at her breast, were torn from her side. Possessing an observant nature,
she watched the streams closely going on, and so placed them in her mind, as to
remember them distinctly. Her final destination, Big Bone Lick, was reached,
at last, in company with only one white woman, and her infant child. Here she-
made herself very useful in making salt, and shirts for the Indians out of the
checked cloth purchased from the French traders. Although some five hun-
dred miles from home, she made up her mind to escape if possible, and com-
municated her plans to the other woman, who being frightened at the thought,
first refused, but afterwards consented. The parting from her infant, which of
course she could not carry, on the first blush, might seem to savour of a want
of motherly feeling, but it was to save herself from a more degraded fate (had
she remained) that she took this step. With only a blanket apiece, and one
suit of clothes on their backs, these females plunged into the trackless forest,
turning their faces homeward to walk five hundred miles. To detail their
various adventures and sufferings; their march up and down the streams; their
subsistence on berries, wild fruits, aud the productions of the forest; their
sore feet, and intense physical and mental suffering, would transgress our
space. The companion of Mrs. Ingles threatened to kill her, and she only
avoided this catastrophe by crossing to the opposite side of New River. For
forty days they travelled, until worn out, and exhausted, Mrs. Ingles passed
around the Anvil Cliffs at the New River, White Sulphur Springs, and came to
Adam Harman's place, who hearing her cries, sought her out, and took her to
his house. After resting there some days, she returned to her family, whose
surprise and joy were great at seeing her. The lady accompanying Mrs. Ingles
was afterwards found by Harraan, and conveyed in safety to a white settle-
ment. "Trans-Alleghaney Pioneers," by J. P. Hale.

(18) Captain William Ingles, now residing near Radford, on New River, is the
great grand-son of William Ingles, who married Mary Draper. He has the
original MS. written by his grandfather, Thomas Ingles, about the troubles
experinced by the early settlers. Very near the spot where Captain Will. Ingles
lives, is the old "Ingles Ferry," across New River, Here the pioneers crossed,
going westward, and the Ingles' place was quite a rendezvous for early settlers
passing and repassing, east and west. Captain Ingles has sold a part of the
land to a Development Company at Radford.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 17

of residence, on account of its mountainous region. But the
time was approaching now, when the Caucasian was to make
some of its loveliest valleys his permanent home. In 1769 Robert
McClanachan, Thomas and William Renick pitched their tents
in this section near Frankfort. McClanachan, who was subse-
quently killed in the battle of Point Pleasant, located on the
northside of Greenbrier River, near Falling Spring, afterwards
selling his land to Major William Renick, by whose descendants
it is still owned. (19) In the same year Thomas Williams,
William McCoy and William Hughart, all located around the
spot where Williamsburg now stands. Hughart's Mountain is
named for one of these original settlers. In 1770, 1771 and 1772,
James Jordan, John Patton, William Blake and Samuel McKin-
ney came in, the latter locating on Muddy Creek, where the
Clendennins were murdered, nine years previously. His first
neighbor was David Keeney, after whom Keeney's Knob was
named. Prior to 1773, William McClung patented a large tract
of land in this section, on Meadow River, rearing his rude hut
over one hundred miles from either a store or mill. On Decem-
ber 20th, 1777, his son William McClung was born, the first white
child who was ever saw light on Meadow River. The father was
afterwards joined by his brothers, John and Edward McClung.
Anthony District was settled up in 1774, the first person locating
being a man named Hatfield. (20) Near the ruins of Fort
Donally, and ten miles from. Lewisburg, Andrew Donally from
whom the fort gets its name, settled in 1774 ; and 1775, Uriah
Jenkins, Frank Ford and John McFerrin became his neighbors,
followed in 1776, by William Cavendish, Alexander Ochiltree and
James Burns, the two latter of whom were subsequently killed
at Fort Donally. In 1778 and 1780 the settlers were increased by
the arrival of Anthony Rader, James Kincaid, John Gregory,
George Mollahan and Charles Hyde. From this period on,
many settlers came into this section of West Virginia, and the
country of which we are writing, began to show signs of human
life.

(19) Major William Renick's wife was Catherine Madisun, a cousin of James
Madison, who was our fourth President. After Renick's death, she married
Captain William Arbuckle, and spent several years in Fort Randolph at Point
Pleasant, and afterwards died on the banks of the Kanawha, at Craig farm,
four miles below Buffalo. "Lewis' History of West Virginia, 521."

(20) He is the ancestor of the Hatfield race, whose subsequent fueds with
the McCoys have rendered both families celebrated in this section of country,
as well as the borders of Kentucky.

18 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Harrison, Lewis, Upshur, Randolph, Tucker, and the other
counties comprising Northwestern Virginia, were about the
last part of the territory of west Augusta to be settled. In the
first place, the Alleghany Mountains presented what seemed
then an impossible barrier to those living east. The dense wild,
erness, narrow defiles, and uncleared valleys, were not only un-
inviting as a place of residence, but afforded ample covering to
the treacherous acts of the Indian, the common foe of every
white settler at that time. But the spirit of adventure, and de-
sire to seek new fields that pervaded many of the early pioneers,
led some settlers from both the Ohio Valley and the eastern dis-
trict of Augusta, to attempt a penetration of the wilds. (21)
The first persons to execute so daring an undertaking were old
trappers and frontiersmen, animated with a spirit for exploring
new fields. David Tygart and William Files, accustomed daily
to the howl of wild beasts, and the savage warfare of the wily
Indian, penetrated in 1754, with their families, the uninhabited
region along the banks of the east fork of the Monongahela
River. After some examination of the country, spots were chosen
for residences. Files located at the mouth of a creek that
still bears his name, while Tygart settled some miles farther up
on the river, that is called "Tygart's Valley River1' to-day in his
honor. But their settlements were of short duration. The
scarcity of food, coupled with the continuity of the Indians^
rendered existence so precarious, they detei-mined to retrace
their footsteps. But this was not accomplished before Files'
family fell from an attack made by the Redskins as they were
on the eve of moving. (22) Shortly after this, Doctor Thomas
Eckerly, with several brothers, immigrated from Pennsylvania.
Being Dunkards, and pitching their camps near the mouth of a
creek, eight or ten miles below Morgantown, the stream was

(21) During the late civil war, in this region of the country, the sentiment
was greatly divided. Many counties furnished companies on each side — the
Federal and Confederate. It has been a matter of surprise to some, that peo-
ple living together should have been so divided in sentiment. The reason is
obvious, when we regard the mode in which the country was settled. The
north-western part of the State of Virginia (now a portion of West Virginia)
was settled by people pouring in from three different points — north, east and
west. These transmitted different views.

(22) History is silent as to the identity of William Files, or his original domi-
cil. David Tygart came from east Augusta, now Rockbridge County. As both
men came from the east, ahead of civilization, it is not unreasonable to con-
clude that Files was from that region too.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 19

afterwards termed " Dunkard's Creek/' Although a destruct-
ive war was waging at the time between the whites and Indians,
these people were unmolested for two or three years, but at last
their settlements were burned, and they were compelled to re-
turn east. In 1758, Thomas Decker, in company with a small
party, attempted a settlement on the Monongahela River, at the
mouth of Decker's Creek. But in the following spring it was
broken up, by the combined attacks of the Delawares and Min-
goes, and a large portion of the inhabitants murdered. Cor-
rectly speaking, these are the only attempts at settling North
Western Virginia before the close of the French War. Although
the ^capture of Fort Du Quesne, and garrisoning of Fort Pitt
gave the English an ascendancy in that quarter, it did not check
the hostile attitude of the Indians, consequently, a further set-
tlement of this section of West Virginia was not attempted until
the restoration of peace in the year 1765.

The fertile country along the Ohio River in West Virginia,
as elsewhere, was a bone of contention between the English and
the French. A squabble of these two nations over this particular
territory caused its first settlement. Through Jesuitical priests
of the Holy Catholic Church, France had become acquainted
with this intermediate section, the possession of which west of
the Alleghanies meant a means of uninterrupted communication
between her possessions north, and those held south on the
Mississippi River. To assert her claim to this country, and gain
the Indians as allies, France established a number of trading
posts, and to maintain and preserve her right, prepared to erect
a chain of forts extending from Canada to Louisiana. England,
deeming such acts on the part of France as an illegitimate usur-
pation of the territory, prepared to resist it. A company was
formed, called the "Ohio Company," to which the power was
given to locate 600,000 acres of the land in the disputed territory.
The English proceeded to have the country surveyed — located
several trading posts, and the influx of people in consequence
of this, caused permanent settlements along the Ohio, in West
Virginia, where forts, known then as blockhouses, were erected.
This was in the year 1754-55. It was about this time that the
Thorntons, Spencers, Parkers, Smiths, and others located claims
in Wood, Jackson and Mason Counties along the Ohio, although
they were not all residents of the place at that early date. Thus,
at this period, Central West Virginia lay uninhabited between

20 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

the people of Virginia, east of the Alleghany Mountains, and
those on the Ohio River. The echoes of musketry and artillery,
during the Braddock campaign, fell upon the wilderness of for-
est in the centre unheeded. The border warfare that painted
the east and west trail red with the blood of the Caucasian and
Indian, left this country untouched, until the peace established
between the beligerent parties, through the instrumentality of
Col. Bouquet, in the year 1765. After this time, during the next
ten years, settlers from the east, as well as west, and Pennsylva-
nia, pushed their footsteps into this section of country of which
we are now writing — the interior.

After this treaty, comparative peace and quiet reigned. It
was not deemed necessary to reside at all times in forts or block
houses. Being no longer compelled to cultivate their fields in
common, with the tomahawk, and bow and arrow suspended over
their heads, the spirit of adventure took the place of that of war,
and during the continuance of this exemption from the haver-
sack and musket, various settlements were nuide both on the
Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Among the soldiers garrisoned
at Fort Pitt were two brothers, Samuel and John Pringle. Of
adventurous dispositions, they entered the interior to find their
way to the inhabited part of Virginia. They reached the far-
thest western settlement, and remained there some time. Liv-
ing in fear of being apprehended as deserters, they determined
to retrace their footsteps, and during this latter expedition as-
cended a branch of the Valley River, now known as the Buck-
hannon River. In company with them was one Simpson, a fur
trader. After having crossed Cheat at Horse Shoe, a quarrel
arose between one of the Pringles and Simpson, that caused the
latter to separate himself from the brothers. Crossing over
Tygart's Valley River from the others, he proceeded westerly
until he reached a stream he called "Elk River." The Pringle
brothers followed up the Valley River until they came to a large
fork, and proceeding up as far as Turkey's Run, took up their
abode in the cavity of a large hollow tree. Here they resided
for some two years, when John Pringle left to reach a trading
post on the Shenandoah. On his return, he brought the news
of peace between both French and Indians with the English.
Then both brothers determined to return to the nearest habi-
tations.

Through their accounts, settlers were induced to explore

Resources of Central West Virginia. 21

this new country. In the autumn of 1768, Sam. Pringle took
several people out with him on an exploring expedition. These,
pleased with the general aspect of the country returned with
others in the spring, and began clearing for the purpose of rais-
ing grain to carry them through the winter. John Jackson,
with two sons, located at the mouth of Turkey Run, where it
flows into the Buckhannon. John Hacker placed his hut higher
up the Buckhannon River, where Bush's Fort was afterwards
established, and Alexander, and Thomas Sleeth settled near by,
on what was afterwards known as the Forenash plantation.
The rest of the party were, William Hacker, Thomas and Jessie
Hughes, John and William Radcliff, and John Brown. (23) Soon
afterwards other emigrants arrived, taking up lands around ;
John and Benjamin Cartright settled on Buckhannan River.
Captain James Booth and John Thomas established themselves
on Booth's Creek, near the Monongahela River. The former
lived on the estate afterwards owned by the Martins — probably
one of the finest landed estates in the country. Jacob Van
Meter, John Swan, Thomas Hughes, and others, settled on the
west side of the Monongahela River, near the mouth of Muddy
Creek. The spot formerly occupied by Thomas Decker, was
subsequently taken by David Morgan, whose daring deeds of
prowess, and capacity for fighting, made him a conspicuous fig-
ure even in those days. The town of Morgantown, named after
him, stands on the ground occupied by him, and his brother
pioneers. In 1769, the Zanes settled up the country around
Wheeling. In 1772, the beautiful country lying on the East
Fork of the Monongahela River attracted a number of settlers
from Grreenbrier and other sections through accounts given of it
by trappers and hunters, who had traversed it. Among the first
were the names of Hadden, Connelly, Whiteman, Warwick, Nel-
son, Stalnaker, Riffle and Westfall, who eagerly, with others
soon took up nearly all the level plateau, some fifteen or twenty
miles between the mountains. Cheat River began to be looked
after. The Horse Shoe bottom was settled by Captain James
Parsons, of the South Branch, and soon, Robert Cunningham,
Henry Frick, John Goff, and John Minear followed. William
Morgan, and Robert Butler occupied Dunkard's bottom. James
Anderson, Jonas Webb, and John Powers took up lands on Elk
River, as well as West Fork. In the vicinity of Clarksburg,

(23) "Chronicles of Border Warfare." By Willis.

22 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or.

Thomas Nutter, Sam. Cottrail, Sotha Hickman, Samuel Beard,
Andrew Cottrail, and others pitched their tents. Daniel located
where Clarksburg now stands, while Obediah Davisson, and
John Nutter placed their camp on the banks of the West Fork.
Settlers began to pour in now, and so rapid were the settlements
in the country tributary to the Buckhannon River, and Hack-
er's Creek, that sufficient food was not on hand to supply them,
and but for the untiring, and successful efforts of William Low-
ther, starvation might have stared them in the face, (24) Such
were the principal settlements in this section prior to the war of
1774, which were few and far between.

Until the year 1774, these early settlers augumented in num-
bers constantly, by others coming in, cleared the lands, and made
small crops for their subsistance. As they increased in power
and numbers, counties were laid off and law established. They
had taken the initiatory step for gaining permanent houses for
their descendants who were to inherit their land. There can be
but little doubt of the fact, that from their courage and powers
of endurance, these early pioneers were a sturdy, enterprising
set. They first gave battle to the roaring beasts, and crawling
reptiles of the forests; then stood in gallant array against the
countless ranks of the savage and the barbarian; and lastly,
fought by the sweat of the brow the boundless forests, the ills
of nature, and the soil they had won, for a scanty livelihood.
Had more of their spirit of exertion, pluck and energy been
transmitted to the succeeding generations, this section would
have blossomed like the rose ere now. For some years after
Colonel Bouquet's treaty, peace reigned, but in 1774, it was ob-
scured by the clouds of war hanging here and there over the
horizon, until they gathered in one black mass, and the storm
culminated at Point Pleasant on the Ohio River.

(24) William Lowther, who played such a conspicuous part in these peril-
ous times left a name renowned for courage, integrity, and self-sacrifice. He
was the son of Robert Lowther, and came with his father in the year 1772, to
the Hecker Creek settlement. During- the war of 1774, and subsequently, he
distinguished himself by his sturdy courage, and strong resistance to the bor-
der raids of the Indians. He headed nearly every scouting party that went
forth to attack the Indians, and left to posterity a reputation crowned with the
laurels of true courage, unselfishness, and manly generosity. He was the first
Justice of the Peace for West Augusta District; the first sheriff in the County
of Harrison and Wood, and a member of the General Assembly.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 2:;

CHAPTER II.

War between the White Settlers and Indians. — Causes which led.
to it. — Indian Raids upon the Settlers. — Difficulties between
the English and French. — Treaty of 1763. — Col. Bouquet's Ex-
pedition.— Sir William Johnson's Treaty of 1765. — Captain
Cresap's Party. — Daniel Gfreathouse's Attack upon the In-
dians.— Exasperation of the latter. — Gen. Andrew Lewis. — His
Expedition. — Lord Dunmore's Movements. — Battle of Point
Pleasant. — The Result of the Same. — Its Effect upon the In-
dians.— The Indian Chieftain Logan. — The Murder of Cunt-
stalk and others. — Increase of Emigration Westward . — The
Indians move farther West. — Peace reigns.

The early settlers of the country, of whom much has been
«aid, did not succeed in effecting their settlements, and making
homes west of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains, with-
out difficulties and warfare. When they began settling west at
first, the Indians not divining wholly their object, and having
their curiosity excited, viewed the newcomers at first with
friendly looks, exchanging visits as well as commodities. But
when their minds grasped the idea at last that it was the pur-
pose of the whites to permanently hold their lands, they evinced
a hostile attitude, that soon resulted in petty and harrassing
raids, a kind of warfare as exasperating as it was dangerous.
The Indian is, by nature, treacherous and revengeful ; his idea
of war consisted in not only a secret extermination of his
enemies, but their wives and children as well. Attack after
attack was the result of their hostility on the settlements
seriatim, but always retreating whenever the place attacked
called in some neighboring block-house to assist in the defense.
In this system of warfare the Indians had the whites at a decided
disadvantage, for the former being of a roving disposition, and
accustomed to the rugged mountain passes, rushed in suddenly
upon a fort, and after committing their depredations, retreated
with such rapidity that they were soon lost in the defiles of the
rough, rugged hills with which the white settlers were unac
>quainted. After the hostility of the Red man was aroused, the

24 Heritage of the Trans- Allegha n y Pioneers, or,

early inhabitants had to dispute inch by inch -with them over
the territory the latter acquired. (1) In connection with the
-white race there is a distinguishing characteristic in all their
methods of -warfare in the last century. They never kill the
defenceless, such as women and children, nor make unnecessary,
stealthy attacks upon a peaceful household. But the superiority
of the Caucasian caused itself to be felt in the struggle with the
Indians, as it had done in days gone by with other races, and at
last the whites remained undisputed victors of the field. While
it is not possible for the historian to give recital of every small
raid made by the Indians upon families as individuals, or relate
every hand-to-hand combat that occurred, still it is his duty to
give a patient investigation of the causes that led to the decisive
action which finally determined the result. (2) And while the
war between the early settlers and the Indians was decided in
almost a single pitched battle, yet the minute description of
the causes and results of this fight are as important as if a hundred
battles had been fought, or the war waged for years.

The causes which lead to the celebrated battle of Point
Pleasant may be said to be three. The disputes between the
English and French over territory ; Colonel Bouquet's expedi-
tion into Ohio ; and the killing of Logan's family by Captain
Cresap and Daniel Grreathouse.

The dispute between the French and English originated over
the conflicting claim of the two nations to tbe same territory
west of the Alleghanies. By virtue of the discovery of John
and Sabastian Cabot, in 1498, of the Virginia Territory, England
claimed all the territory east of the Mississippi River, while
France through the fact that some of her citizens had gone over
the territory claimed it also. This nation further claimed that
the Ohio, and Mississippi Valleys belong to it through the dis-

(1) Concerning this raiding warfare, Mr. John P. Hale in his work, "Trans-
Alleghany Pioneers," on page 178, has this to say :

"After the treaty of 1763, between the English and French, the French were
out of the way of settlements, but their savage allies, whom they had insti-
gated and encouraged to resist the encroachment of the white settlers upon
their territory, were still there to dispute every advance upon their happy
hunting grounds; and, although the march of settlement continued steadily
westward, every pioneer trail was a trail of blood, and every pioneer family
numbered among its members victims of the tomahawk and scalping knife.''

Mr. Hale is a lineal descendant of the Ingles' of Draper's Meadows, who
were raided in 1775, by the Indians, when all were killed or captured.

(2) For a graphic description of many of the atrocities committed by the
Indians on individuals, the reader is referred to "Trans-Alleghany Pioneers,''
by John P. Hale, and "Lewis' History of West Virginia."

a —

Resources of Central West Virginia. 25>

covery of La Salle, Marquette and others. It seems that numer-
ous Jesuitical priests from France had crossed the ocean with
the object of christianizing: tho savages in America. These
priests made themselves acquainted with the country from the
northern lakes to the southern gulf, and from the mountains on
the east to the lakes of the woods on the west, besides making
maps of the country, which with Canada, they called, New
France. It was these proselyting Jesuits who first descended
the Mississippi River, and discovered the Ohio River. On this
account it is claimed by some that France was entitled to this
territory by right of discovery — a right recognized by all na-
tions. (3) But England failed to acknowledge this right to
France, and prepared at once to assert her claim. George II. ,
then the ruling Monarch of England, ordered the Governor of
Virginia to issue a grant of land of 500,000 acres between, the
Great Kanawha, and Monongahela River to a company. This
was done in March, 1749. The company was to pay no quit-
rents for ten years; to colonize within seven years at least one
hundred families, and to survey at least two-fifths of their land,
and at their expense to construct a garrison and fort. Christo-
pher Gist was brought from North Carolina to survey these
lands, and in so doing took his memorable trip into a section of
country never before traversed by a white man. He made the
survey, but before the required colonization of the lands could
take place within the limited time; or, the charter extended,

(3) Mr. Lewis, in his "History of West Virginia," distinctly asserts that
France was entitled to this territory. He writes: '

"Champlain, the founder of Quebec, was accustomed to say: 'The saving- of
a soul is worth more than the conquest of an empire'; and such was the faith of
the men who first bore the standard of civilization to the Mississippi Valley
and the distant shores of Lake Superior. As the years sped away, these enthu-
siasts laboured oni.n an effort to secure the accomplishment of their cherished
object— the conversion of Canada. The raging- tempest, the rigours of an Arctic
winter, hunger, the tomahawk, nor fear of death, deterred them from the pros-
ecution of their self-imposed task— that of saving Canada for the church. Such
were the first white men within the present limits of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri ******* They drew maps of
all this region, which together with Canada was called New France, and had
won there to a title based upon discovery." ********

It seems to one who is acquainted with rights accruing from discovery, that
England's priority of claim over France was clearly established. Long before
these missionaries ever came to America; long before they ever discovered the
Ohio River or the territory, referred to by the learned author of the "History
of West Virginia", England had discovered the eastern part of the territory,
and planted her colony there. It was a part of the whole land, for she claimed
from ocean to ocean, under her discovery, and colonization. Actual possession
of part means constructive possession of the whole, and the claim of France
was but an intrusion.

26 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneer*, or,

the declaration of independence put an end to the proceedings
of the Ohio Company. (4) It was the avowed object of this
company to form a separate government west of the Alleghanies,
but that, too, was for the present frustrated. In the year 1749,
England followed up her claims to this territory by ordering the
Governor of Virginia to organize "The Loyal Land Company,*'
with a grant of 800,000 acres of land extending northward from
the Carolinas. To gain an insight into the country where this
land lay, was the object of the memorable exploration of Dr.
Thos. Walker, and the brave Colonel James Patton. (5) In 1751,
the Greenbrier Company was organized with a grant of 100,000
acres of land west of the Alleghanies, which was surveyed and
meted off by John Lewis, from Augusta County, Virginia.

These acts of ownership exercised by England, alarmed
France. In the middle of 1749, she too began a practical asser-
tion of her claims, by sending a company along the Kanawha,
Ohio, and other rivers, to designate her boundary. This was
done by means of leaden plates sunk at various points along the
streams. This expedition set out from Montreal in 1749, and
buried the first plate at the mouth of the Conewago ; the second
was buried at the mouth of French Creek, and moving down
the Ohio to "Wheeling Creek, the third was put down. The
fourth was placed at Muskingum River, the present site of
Marietta, Ohio. Proceeding onward, they passed Little Kan-
awha, and reaching the mouth of Great Kanawha, sunk their
fifth plate. (6) About August 31st, the French party passed the

(4) The Ohio Company was composed of twelve members, all of whom were
residents of Virginia and Maryland, except a merchant of London, named John
Hamburg. Among the members were Lawrence and Augustine Washington,
George Mason, John Mercer and John Dinwiddie, the latter General Surveyor
of the Colony. Colonel Cresap was from Maryland.

(5) There is no doubt of the fact that to see about these lands was the reason
of Colonel Patton's expedition. He, with Dr. Walker and others, made the
exploration in 1748, and on their return, in 1749, the company was organized.

(6) One of these plates was taken up in the year 1846, bs" a son of John Beale
in Mason County, Kentucky. It fell into the possession of James M. Laidley
a member of the General Assembly from Kanawha, and was taken by him to
Richmond, Virginia, where it is now preserved in the care of the "Virginia
Historical Society ," It bears the following inscription :

"In the year 1749, reign of Louis XV. King- of France, We, Celeron, com-
mandant of a detachment sent by Monsieur the Marquis de La Galissouiere, Com-
mandant General of New Fiance, to re establish tranquility in some Indian
villages of these cantons, have buried this plate at the mouth of the river Chin-
odoshichetha, the 18th of August, near the river Ohio, otherwise Beautiful
River, as a monument of renewal of possession, which we have taken of said
River Ohio, and of all those which fall into it, and of all the lands on both sides

Resources of Central West Virginia. 27

Great North Bend of the Ohio River, reaching the mouth of the
Great Miami, where they buried their sixth and last plate,
claiming then all right to the territory. The next step taken
by the French, was to place themselves in a position to main-
tain their claim to the territory in dispute. In 1753 they came
southward from Canada, constructing a cordon of forts, from
Lake Erie to the Ohio River. The first of these was placed at
PresqiC Isle, now known as Erie, while another was located at
Venango, called Franklin in later days, and a third between the
two mentioned, Le Boeuf, now Waterbury. On learning of
these proceedings, the Governor of Virginia attempted to stop
them by the use of diplomacy. General George Washington, at
the time but twenty-one years of age, was chosen to undertake
the delicate mission of communicating with the French author-
ities. Chistopher Gist, Jacob Van Braam, a French interpreter,
Davidson, the Indian interpreter, William Jenkins, Henry Stew-
art, Barnaby Currien and John McGuire, were his companions,
and the whole party proceeded to the Ohio Valley. Venango,
the most southern outpost of the French, was reached on De-
cember 4th, and learning there that the French commander's
headquarters were at La Boeuf, Washington pressed forward,
and on reaching Le Gardeur de St. Pierre, he delivered Governor
Dinwiddie's message. St. Pierre as courteously agreed to for-
ward the message to the Governor General of Canada, as he
firmly refused to make any concessions, saying his orders were
to hold the country, which he intended doing. Washington
having performed his duty, returned with his companions to
Virginia. (7)

On learning of the ultimatum of the French, Virginia rose in
arms to carry the point for her mother country. Capt. William
Trent speedily collected a company of Virginia pioneers among
the Hampshire Hills ; crossed the mountains, and in January,
1754, began the erection of a fort at the forks of the Ohio. But
on the 16th of January a force of French and Indians appeared
on the scene, and Coutrecour, the French commander, sent a
summons to surrender. Owing to the superiority of the French

as far as the sources of said rivers; the same as were eDjoyeol, or ought to
have been enjoyed, by the preceding kings of France ; and that they have
maintained it by their arms and by treaties, especialiy by those of ftyswick.
Utrecht, and Aix-La-Chapelle." See "Lewis' History West Virginia," page 81-82.

(7) This was the first public service performed by Washington for his State
He was twenty-one years of age at that time, and held a commission in the*
army as major of a regiment.

28 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

and Indian force, Captain Trent knew that resistance would be
worse than useless, so he capitulated, and marched up the
Monongahela, leaving the enemy in possession of the unfinished
fort. This they completed ; and named it Fort Du Quesne, in
honor of the Marquis de Du Quesne, then Governor General of
Canada. (8) In the meanwhile, Washington collected a force
near Harper's Ferry, and proceeded westward ; and hearing of
the disaster at the forks of the Ohio, halted and constructed
Fort Necessity. The French advanced upon this, and an en-
gagement took place on the 28th of May between the vanguards
of the armies, that resulted in a loss of ten to the French forces,
among whom was M. La Jumonville. On the fourth day of July,
the French came again with a larger force, attacking the Eng-
lish, and Gen. Washington surrendered Fort Necessity, retreat-
ing in discomfiture to Wills Creek. The year 1754 closed with
the French in complete possession of the Ohio Valley.

But a war was inaugurated in 1755, which was to change the
geography of a whole continent, and mould the future destiny
of nations. Smarting under the loss sustained at the forks of
the Ohio, and the capitulation of Fort Necessity, England sent
troops over in the winter of 1755, under command of General
Edward Braddock, who, on the 20th of February, cast anchor
in Chesapeake Bay, with 1200 strong. The French, about the
same time, sent a fleet across, two ships of which were captured
off the coast of Newfoundland by British men-of-war, under
command of Admiral Boscowan. The troops which came with
General Braddock were the 44th and 48th Royal Infantry, under
the respective commands of Sir Peter Halkett and Col. Thomas
Dunbar. Proceeding up the Potomac from Alexandria, they
passed through the counties of Jefferson, Berkley and Morgan,
of West Virginia, until Fort Cumberland was reached, now
Cumberland City, Maryland, where about one thousand Virgin-
ians from Shenandoah Valley joined Braddock, when the whole
command moved forward into the trackless wilderness, bent on
the reduction of Fort Du Quesne. Soon the command was
divided ; the General advanced with 1200 chosen men, leaving
Col. Dunbar with the heavy artillery and baggage to follow
on as rapidly as possible. As General Braddock's army pro-

(8) This fort, when recaptured by the English, was named Fort Pitt, in
•honor of William Pitt, then Prime Minister of England. It was the place where,
the present populous city of Pittsburg, Pa., is now located.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 29

ceeded westward, scouts carried the intelligence forward to
Port Du Quesne, and Heauzeau, against Coutrecour's advice to
retreat, advised his superior in command to give battle to the
English ; to this effect, at the call of the French, Indian chiefs
gathered together a force of 600 men of their nations, which,
with 250 Frenchmen, departed from Fort Du Quesne to meet
the English. On the 8th of July the English reached the
Monongahela, and crossing the same the following day, formed
into ranks on the level plateau, when the order was given to
march forward to Fort Du Quesne, some ten miles distant. The
troops were scarcely in motion, when Gordon, one of the engi-
neers, saw the French and Indians bounding forward through
the forest, who at once opened a deadly fire upon the English
troops, that was returned by the latter with such deadly effect,
that the French leader was shot dead. Dumas, second in com-
mand, rallied the French, and* for three hours a destructive fire
was kept up that played havoc among the English army, owing
to General Braddock's deployment of his forces on the field of
battle. Of the 1200 chosen men, crossing the Monongahela,
sixty-seven officers, and seven hundred and fourteen privates,
were either killed or wounded. When the French and Indians
met Dunbar with the artillery and baggage, he was completely
routed, and the straggling forces retreated to Cumberland,
Maryland, from which point the remainder of the English army
marched to Philadelphia and Washington. General Braddock
was killed, his death being caused by his own improvident act
and rash violence. (9") The campaign of 1755 left the French,
through the assistance of the Indians, still in possession of the
disputed territory. The news of General Braddock's defeat was
the signal for the beginning of merciless raids by the Western

(9) During this fight, it seems that General Braddock deployed his forces
just as if he was upon an English field of battle, rallying them again and again
into platoons and columns, while the enemy took advantage of the trees and
other obstructions as breastworks. The Virginia forces with Braddock, being
accustomed to the same mode of warfare, took shelter also behind the trees,
which raised Braddock's displeasure. In a Virginia company there were two
brothers, Joseph and Thomas Fausett. The former, in defiance of Braddock's
absurd command not to protect himself, got behind a tree, when Braddock
rode up, and struck him down with his sword. The other brother who stood
by, witnessed the transaction, and shot Braddock through the lungs. The
General died in four days, and was buried near Fort Necessity ; but his remains
were afterwards disinterred and carried to England and laid in Westminster
Abbey.

30 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Indians upon the frontier settlers. So much for one of the
causes of the war between the Indians and whites.

The Indians now waged a continual war along the borders.
During 1757, 1758, 1759 and 1760 they committed depredations
and murders of the most revolting kind : white men were cap-
tured and scalped while peacefully pursuing their occupations ;
women and children were killed in the most brutal manner, the
latter being often brained against trees ; property was wantonly
taken and destroyed, until in the year 1763, the settlers in self-
defense appealed for help to prevent further destruction of life
and property. A thousand families had been either murdered,
or driven from their homes on the frontiers of Pennsylvania and
Virginia; and, since the treaty of Fontainbleau, by which
Canada was ceded to the English, the dissatisfied French
remaining within the borders, instigated the Indians as much
as possible against the English settlers. The necessity for
assisting the settlers, caused an expedition to be sent out under
Colonel Bouquet, who was a Switz by birth, but had served
gallantly in the English army. In 1764, he marched from Phila-
delphia, and with five hundred men, fought a fiercely-contested
battle at Bushy Run, Pennsylvania, in which he completely
routed the Indians. Augmenting his force after this to 1500
men, he proceeded by way of Fort Pitt into Ohio, and marching
into the wilderness reached the forks of the Muskingum, where
he concluded a treaty with the Indians, recovering some two
hundred and sixty white captives, who had been taken from the
frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania. (10) While as a tempor-
ary cessation of hostilities, and as a means of recovering the
white prisoners from the Indians, Colonel Bouquet's expedition,
was a success, as a measure for preventing future hostilities, it
was a failure. Had his force, instead of making this treaty,
made fierce war upon the Indians, and given them a sound
castigation, there would have been a retreat on their part such
as took place at the battle of Point Pleasant — a most affective

(10) Colonel Bouquet, commanding- this expedition, was a native of Switzer-
land, born in the Canton of Berne. By birth he was a soldier. He spent his
early life in the Scandinavian army, afterwards serving- in that of the Dutch
Republic. In 1755, the Duke of Cumberland organized a regiment destined for
America, in which Colonel Bouquet entered as Lieutenant-Colonel. He served
throughout the war against the French, and at the time he was ordered west by
Sir Jeffrey Amherst, was stationed at Philadelphia. It is to be deplored on
account of the future, that General Lewis was not put in command of this
expedition.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 31

and permanent one. Colonel Bouquet returned to Fort Pitt
with his army, and treaty of peace, the latter of which was
totally ruptured afterwards, when the flames of war broke out
again.

This treaty was kept for a number .of years, lasting until 1774,
when it was torn asunder by some Indians being killed at Cap-
tina and Yellow Creek. Many chroniclers of events of that time
expressly assert that it was broken at first by the whites. (11)
In the spring of 1774, a white man in a trading-boat was killed,
some distance from Wheeling Creek. (12) This act was committed
by the Indians. Early in April a party of Indians were surprised
and attacked by Captain Cresap and others at the mouth of
Captina Creek. (13) During the same month some Indians who
lived in Logan's Camp, near the mouth of Yellow Creek, on the

(11) Lewis, in his history of "West Vh-ginia, distinctly asserts that the treaty
was broken first by the whites, and enumerates what he deems the causes :
the murder of several Indians near Harper's Ferry by Harpoid and his asso-
ciates ; the murder of Bald Eagle, an Indian chief ; the murder of Captain
Bull, an Indian chief, on Little Kanawha Eiver ; the murder of the Indians
by Captain Cresap and party ; and the killing of Logan's family by the Great-
houses and Bakers. Mr. Lewis assigns no cause for these murders on the part
of the Indians. See " Lewis' History West Virginia, pp. 114-15-16.

Dr. Doddridge, in his history of Lord Dunmore's war, says the killing of
the Indians was murder on the part of the whites ; that the latter had no right
whatever to attack the Indians for taking their horses, which, as a matter of
fact, was not true ; and that the action of the white settlers was unwarranted,
and deserving of retaliation. "Doddridge's History of Lord Dunmore's War."

In speaking of the killing of these Indians, Lewis, in his "History of West
Virginia," says on page. 114:

" Here was sufficient cause for retaliation, and it came only too soon,"

With all due deference to both Mr. Lewis and Dr. Doddridge, there is but
little doubt that the origin of the affair is as represented by John P. Hale, in
" Trans-Alleghany Pioneers." See note 12.

(12) Mr. John P. Hale, in his admirable work, "Trans-Alleghany Pioneers," on
page 179, says :

"About this time, several murders were committed on the Upper Ohio. A
white man in a trading-boat was killed by Indians some distance above Wheel-
ing Creek ; within a lew days, early in April, Captain Michael Cresap and party
killed two Indians, near Wheeling, in a canoe, and followed a larger party down
the river to the mouth of Captina, where they were surprised in camp, and
nearly all killed."

Mr. Hale proceeds further, and details other murders following of both
whites and Indians. On account of the spirit of retalliation which existed
between the two races ; the bad feelings harbored, one murder was sure to
follow another, and as Mr. Hale relates, doubtless the list of murders that led
to the war proceeded from the killing of the white man in a trading-boat, near
or above Wheeling Creek, by an Indian.

(13) The Rev. John J. Jacob, Captain Cresap's biographer, states that his
hero was not present at the massacre of Captina Creek. John Sappington, in

32 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

opposite side of the river from one Baker's, went across to the
latter's for the purpose of purchasing rum, which was kept for
sale there. In the midst of a drunken spree, an Indian and
white man became involved in a difficulty, in which the Indian,
who was a brother of Chieftain Logan, was killed, and a general
fight ensued that resulted in the death of several Indians and
whites. Among the former, both at Captina and Yellow Creek,
were almost all the members of Logan's family. The result of
affray led to another border warfare, and the Indians became so
aggressive along the frontier — particularly along the Ohio, that
the settlers deemed it necessary to call in the assistance of the
Government. Tidings were carried to Lord Dunmore at Wil.
liamsburg, who ordered a force to be raised under Colonel Angus
McDonald's command, who was born of Scotch parentage, and
resided near Winchester, in Frederick County, Virginia. This
work was but a i^reliminary movement to Lord Dunmore's war
that was prosecuted later on in the year. Colonel McDonald
ransacked the Indian towns in Ohio, and destroyed many of
their villages ; at last returning to Virginia, he brought several
chiefs as hostages. (14)

Later on the Indians being bent upon a general border war-
fare, the frontier settlers became alarmed, and through Cresap
and Connally messengers were sent to Williamsburg, apprising
Governor Dunmore of the danger. His Excellency, realizing the
situation of the colonists in the west, sent for General Andrew
Lewis, with whom he consulted, and mapped out the route of a
campaign against the Indians. (15) They decided to raise an
army of two divisions, one to be commanded by Lord Dunmore;
the other by General Lewis. The latter, with the assistance of
• his brother, Charles Lewis, from Augusta, who was a colonel of
a regiment, raised an army from Augusta, Botetourt, and Fin-
castle Counties, while Lord Dunmore's was assembled from

his affidavit made in 1800 in Madison County, Virginia, says : the Greathouses,
and not Captain Cresap', killed the Indians. But a letter of Cresap's written
to the Bakers, indicates guilty knowledge.

(14) As has been stated, Colonel August McDonald was of Scotch extrac-
tion. He resided near Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia, on an estate
early acquired by his ancestry, and which has been known locally for more
than a century as: "Glengary," so called from the name of the clan to which
the McDonalds belonged in the highlands of Scotland. Many of his descend-
ants reside in the valley.

(15) General Andrew Lewis, son of John Lewis, of Augusta County, was
then a member of the House of Burgesses for Botetourt County, Virginia,

Resources of Central West Virginia. 33

Frederick, Shenandoah and adjacent counties. All the western
regions were notified of the approaching danger, and ordered to
prepare themselves. About September 1st, General Lewis1 army
rendezvoused at Camp Union, known now as Lewisburg, Green-
brier County. It was agreed between the two generals that
Lewis should go to the mouth of Kanawha River from his canip;
while Lord Dunmore took the northwest route over the old
Braddock trail, by way of Fort Pitt, and join the former at the
mouth of the Great Kanawha. On September 11th, General
Lewis broke camp, and with Captain Mathew Arbuckle, an ex-
perienced frontiersman, as guide, he set out with his army of
1,100 men for his destination. After a march of some nineteen
days, by way of Muddy Creek, Keeny's Knob, Rich Creek, Gau-
ley, Twenty Mile, Bell Creek, and Kelly's Creek, along the In-
dian trail to Kanawha, and down Kanawha to its mouth, he
reached Point Pleasant on the 30th day of September after a
fatiguing march. (16) He waited anxiously here for several
days expecting Lord Dunmore. (17) The latter Avas to have
joined him by October 2nd. Hearing nothing from him, Genl
Lewis dispatched some messengers up the Ohio River to meet
him, or learn what had become of him. However, before they
returned, three messengers arrived at Lewis' camp on Sunday
the 9th of October, with orders from Lord Dunmore to cross the
river and meet him before the Indian towns in Ohio. On the
morning of the 10th, General Lewis give orders for the camp to

(16) Bancroft's description of the march of the army is really beautiful.
He writes:

"At that time there was not even a track over the rugged mountains, but
the gallant young woodsmen who formed the advance party moved expedi-
tiously with their pack-horses and droves of cattle through the home of the
wolf, the deer, and the panther. After a fortnight's struggle they left behind
them the last rocky masses of the hilltops, and passing between the gigantic
growth of primeval forests, where, in the autumnal season the golden hue of
the linden, the sugar-tree, and the hickory, contrasted with the glistening
green of the laurel, the crimson of the sumac, and the shadows of the sombre
hemlock, they descended where the Elk widens into a plain."

(17) Many have been the theories and speculations why Lord Dunmore
should have gone directly across the Ohio River into the Indian territory with-
out joining General Lewis at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, as formerly
agreed upon. These speculations afterwards drifted into charges against Lord
Dunmore, of planning, during this march, the destruction of the colony of
Virginia, because it was resisting the encroachments of England upon its rights
and liberties. From most of the disjointed, rambling writings of the time, it
is clearly seen that Lord Dunmore's loyalty is attacked on the following
grounds: he was an Englishman; at this time the Joint Assembly was passing
measures condemning England's encroachments; that he did not join Lewis
and had Cornstalk' s original plans been carried out, Lewis' army would have

34 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

be broken up, purposing to follow Lord Dunniore's orders, and
move into Ohio ; but at the hour of starting, his progress was
checked by an army of a thousand Indian braves, commanded
by their trusted leaders : Cornstalk, Logan, Red Hawk, Blue
Jacket, and Elinipsico.

It appears that the Indians were stationed on the opposite
side of the river from General Lewis, waiting for him to cross,
and then ambush him nearer their own homes, and out of his
territory. This plan would doubtless have been executed as
Cornstalk the chief laid it down, but General Lewis' delay, oc-
casioned by waiting for Lord Dunmore, interferred with the
plans of the Indians. The latter not having a full supply of
rations to last so long, had to make a change of base ; they
either had to make an attack upon Lewis, or else go and hunt
for food, leaving their country at the mercy of the enemy. On
the night of the 9th, they constructed a crossing of rafts, upon
which they transported their army, intending to surprise Lewis
early in the morning. But about daylight it seems that a party
of hunters went out from Lewis' camp for game, and discovering
the approaching Indians, returned just in time to give the alarm
before the Indian army confronted General Lewis' in full battle-
array.

It was but a short time after the two armies met before the
whole scene was one of carnage and blood. Here, on the banks
of the beautiful Ohio, sweeping gently down with an easy cur-
rent as it drank in the waters of the Kanawha flowing from the
rugged mountains; here, in this lonely valley, that stretches
away on each side to the wooded hills, was fought one cf the
bloodiest battles ever chronicled in history, or known among
nations — the never- forgotten battle of Point Pleasant. The
deadliest animosity existed between the two armies ; re-
venge, hatred, and malice actuated one side, while the view of
lost wives, bi*ained children, and homes destroyed, burned in

been ignominiously routed. For those reasons, John P. Hale, Mr. Lewis, Mr_
Stuart, and Dr. Campbell, all bring- the gravest charges against Lord Dun-
niore's honesty, without educing a single fact to support them. The facts, and
actions of Lord Dunmore are laid down in the text. That some of his actions
during this campaign ai-e not explained is true; but inexplicable acts never
constitute historical facts. For reasons sufficient to himself, Lord Dunmore
might have deemed a course of peace the best, and gone across the Ohio with-
out giving a reason: being supreme in command, it was the place of GeneraL
Lewis and his army to obey orders, and not make charges, on unexplained acts,
of his.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 35

the hearts of the other. There was no wavering, no falling
back, no retreating, neither giving nor taking ; but a deadly
affray in which the contending parties fought often hand-to-hand.
Bullets whizzed, and balls did their awful work ; and when their
blood waxed warm they met with the sword and tomahawk,
carrying on hour after hour their destruction of human life,
from which the blood flowed swiftly and freely. During the
fight in the early part of the day each army attempted to flank
the other, but neither succeeded. In the afternoon, General
Lewis, fearing night might come over his band still engaged in
the struggle, attempted a flank movement. Sending a portion
of his force around, he ordered an attack upon the rear of the
Indian army, which was cautiously, but expeditiously executed;
the Indians believing a re-inforcement had attacked them in
the rear, became demoralized, and fled from the field, as brave a
lot of men as ever fought and lost^ leaving General Lewis undis-
puted master of the field, with the laurel of victory upon his
brow. (18)

But the laurel was not without its thorns. Many of the
most prominent men, as well as officers, were cut down by the
Indians. Among those killed were Colonels Charles Lewis, and
John Field, Captains John Murray, R. McClannahan, Samuel
Wilson, James Ward, Lieutenant Hugh Allen, Ensigns Cantiff,
and Bracken, and forty-four privates. Total killed, fifty-three.
The total number of wounded was eighty-seven ; killed and
wounded, one hundred and forty. The destruction to life was

(18) General Andrew Lewis, the hero of Point Pleasant, whose acts and
deeds of valor in defense of the early settlers endeared him to the hearts of all,
is entitled to more than passing notice. He was born in Ulster, Ireland, being
the son of the pioneer John Lewis, who was the first settler in Augusta. He
was a man of sterling worth, decisive character, and full of loyalty. When
quite young he entered the colonial army, and was rapidly promoted. He was
an officer under Washington at Fort Necessity; was in the Braddoek campaign,
and wounded at the battle of Monongahela. In 1756 he commanded the "Dig
Sandy Expedition," and was with General Forbes at the reduction of Fort
Du Quesne. He was one the commissioners to treat with the Six Nations at
Fort Stanwigs, rising to the rank of brigadier-general in 1774. In 1776 he en-
tered the Revolutionary War, and was in that until driven home by fever. He
expired at Colonel Buford's residence, east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in
Bedford County, Virginia. He was interred on his estate known as "Dropmore,"
near Salem, Virginia. No stone marks his resting place, nor tells where lies the
hero of Point Pleasant, and it is a stigma upon his State that one who fought
and bled for his country should be without some record as to his last resting
place. His descendants now residing throughout Virginia are representative
people, and many have occupied prominent positions in civil matters.

36 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghau y Pioneers, or,

simply fearful, and the conflict raged from sun-rise to sun-set.
Some of the foremost men of the country lost their lives, and
left large families to mourn their untimely departure. Nor was
the loss on the Indian side less. While none of their leaders
were killed, many of their braves perished, and a lesson was
taught them they never forgot — that the whites were their mas-
ters. The conducting of the battle by both Logan, and Corn-
stalk, exhibited rare courage, and skill in commanding, as well
as urging their men. Cornstalk could be heard above the din
and roar of the fight, exhorting his soldiers to deeds of valor,
and both he and Logan commanded the respect and admiration
of their opponents. (19) The former was murdered some three
years afterwards in the fort at Point Pleasant, in a brutal man-
ner. Logan became a confirmed sot, and on his return from
Detroit was killed by his brother-in-law. (20)

(19) Cornstalk was a person of unusually good sense, besides having- un-
daunted courage. At a meeting held of the chiefs on the evening before the
battle, he advocated peace, and wanted to treat with General Lewis. But he
was bitterly opposed, and is reported as having said:

"Then, if you will fight, you shall fight, and I Mill see that you do fight.T'
He kept his word, for during the battle he brained one of his own men for
cowardice, and exposed himself in the thickest of the fight encouraging, and
forcing his men to do their duty. The death of this brave warrior casts a can*,
opy of shame over the garrison established at Point Pleasant some years aftei
the memorable battle there. In 1777, when the Revolutionary War was ragingv
the Indians desired Cornstalk to make peace with their enemies. He came to
Point Pleasant with Red Hawk, another chief. Owing to certain utterances of
his, Captain Arbuckle thought proper to detain him in custody, and one day
while there, his son El inipsicc visited him. During this v sit a white settler
named Gilmore was killed by an Indian, and when his body vas brought to the
fort, his comrades sought revenge on the brave old chief and his son. Corn-
staid was exhorting Elinipsico to meet death braved, Avhen he was shot, being
literally torn to pieces by the number of bullets piercing his body; Red Hawk
attempted to save himself by going up the chimney, but was killed in the at-
tempt, Thus passed away three brave men, bent on errands of peace, It is a
blot upon the Fort that will never pass away.

(20) Thomas Jefferson is reported as having made this remark of Logan :
"That he thought him the equal of any of the ancient Roman or Greek

orators."

The character of Logan, as well as that of Cornstalk, stood out promi-
nently under all circumstances. Logan's oratorical powers have been rendered
immortal by his celebrated speech made to Colonel Gibson, who was sent to
his cabin to bring him out at the treaty of peace held by Lord Dunmore in
Ohio, just after Lewis' victory, from which the chief was notably absent.
When requested by Colonel Gibson to come to the meeting he sent this speech
to Lord Dunmore:

"I am a warrior, not a councilor, and I will not go. I appeal to any white
man to say if he ever entered Logan's cabin hungry and he gave him not meat;

Resources of Central West Virginia. 87

The result of the battle of Point Pleasant, and treaty of
peace made by Lord Duninore, together with the forts estab-
lished along the frontier, caused nearly a complete cessation of
hostilities, as well as the retreat westward of the Indians. Emi-
gration now poured in the country over the Alleghanies, and
the settlers turned their attention from the horror of war to the
scenes of peace, and began bettering their condition. Their
arms were turned into plough-shares, for not even were the sur-
veyors out in dear old Kentucky in any way molested by the
Indians. Lands were being taken, meted off, and cleared; set-
tlements as permanent homes made, and when the last cloud of
the Revolutionary War had been dispelled, a brighter horizon
than ever of peace and plenty beamed over the land so dearly
fought for and won as an everlasting heritage. And a goodly
heritage it was.

if ever he came cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During1 the course
of the last long- and bloody war, Logan remained idle in his cabin an advocate
of peace. Such was my love for the whites that my countrymen pointed as
they passed, and said: 'Logan is the friend of the white man.' I had even
thought to live with you but for the injuries of our men. Colonel Cresap, the
last spring, in cold blood and unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Logan,
not even sparing- my woman and children. There runs not a drop of my blood
in the veins of any living creature. This called on me for revenge. I have
sought it. I have killed many. 1 have glutted my vengeance. For my country,
I rejoice at the terms of peace; but do not harbor a thought that mine is the
joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his
life.' Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one." "Trans-Alleg." Pp.226.

38 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers or.

CHAPTER III.

The Early Pioneers Settlement. — Mode of Life of the Early Set-
tlers.— Their Way of Living. — Their Laws, Morals, Manners,
Customs, and Amusements. — Rapid Improvement in the Ear-
lier Part of the Nineteenth Century.

After the tocsin of peace had sounded throughout the land
west of the Alleghany Mountains, and the savage barbarian
who had fought so bravely, was driven farther along the west-
ern wilds, the early settlers turned their attention, not to a life
of ease and pleasure, but another field to conquer — the wilder-
ness won by them. No one, except those intimately acquainted
with the state of the country about 1780, can imagine what a
dreary never ending wilderness the whole seemed. On every
side primeval forests and thick undergrowth occupied the val-
leys, Avhile gnarled oaks, crooked pines, and rugged rocks,
lined the beautiful mountains. The penetration of this track-
less region on the very start, gave one the idea of being lost, for
it appeared never-ending, without an outlet, except a farther
visit into its fathomless depths. The beauty of the scene was
of the supernatural kind, that awed the soul of the beholder,
leaving him in sole communion with his God and himself.
The green leaves of the oak and hickory, contrasting strongly
with the crimson of the alder-bush and the pink of the haw-
haw, while presenting a picture of rare scenic beauty, was over-
spread with a bewildered appearance as to where it all led. (1)
Into a wilderness of this kind did the early pioneers fight their
way to make a permanent home.

(1) If in this enlightened day, one should attempt to cross the Alleghany
through a portion of its unexplored and uncultivated part, it would seem like a
never-ending wilderness, fit only for the home of the wolf, the panther and
the deer. A lonely, homeless, longing sensation for a human face, or habita-
tion, is the prominent feeling, and a trip of this nature for a few days only
gives an idea what our fathers suffered, to say nothing of the danger from
Indians and wild beasts as well. Tradition, as as well as our scanty records,
tell of the many dangers from some of the wild beasts of the forest. In the
early days, bears, wolves, as well as panthers, inhabited this region, often
attacking a settler. The rattlesnake, too, caused many a death, and was an
inhabitant of this section, having his home first in the valleys, then upon the
hill as man settled the former.

Resources of Central }Yest Virginia. 39

The first act of the pioneer was to construct a shelter.
This was at first of the rudest description. A spot was selected
and cleared off, and a few logs, notched at the end, were placed
one upon the other in a square ; when these were ten or twelve*
feet high, a layer of poles was spread over the top, and dirt
thrown upon them. In this rude structure the little provisions
and few tools of the pioneer were placed, and he resided here
until he had time and means to erect a more commodious resi-
dence. Soon he cleared a larger space, enough for a small yard
with the house, and larger logs were felled and hewn with
which to construct the body of the house. By means of riving
straight pieces of pine timber, boards (called clap-boards)
were made, which served for the covering, flooring, as well as
doors and other parts. Wooden pins, of the necessary dimen-
sions, were used instead of nails ; and the scanty f urniture
filling the house was constructed in the same way. Beds,
tables, chairs, cupboards, bowls and platters, were made in this
simple fashion. It is not hard to imagine, that when a house
had to be furnished in this mode, no more was constructed than
actual necessity required. (2)

After the shelter from wind and storm was secured, the next
step was to make sufficient clearing for a patch of corn. This
•cereal was the bone and sinew of the pioneer. In the first
place, Indian corn was the staple with the aborigines in this
section, and very nutritious. It possesses, probably, more oil
than any other grain, and is much more easily cultivated and
garnered. It is a food that will support both man and beast alone,
and can be eaten in its crude state by every class of graniverous
animal. During the clearing, planting, cultivating and gather-
ing of this first crop planted, the pioneer, if far from home or
other settlements, supported himself by hunting, fishing and
trapping. Rabbits, ground-hogs, pheasants, deer, and bear
meat, all contributed to his support, while the skins were used in
a, great measure for clothing. After gathering his first crop, the
early settler brought in his family, pigs and chickens from the
last frontier line, if he had them ; and, if not, he accumulated

(2) Some of the articles made from wood by the early pioneers and their
^families were really ingenious. They carved bowls and plates out of the
knots of timber taken from the forest. An early settler on New River had a
set made from gnarled walnut that was very pretty ; and the family who pos-
sessed a table set made from cedar, was considered fortunate indeed. These
were only used when company came.

40 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

all as rapidly as time would permit. The introduction of the
feminine gender into his house always meant improvement in
every way. After her advent, the spinning-wheel, flax-wheel
and loom, were introduced, and the next year a larger patch
was cleared in order to grow cotton, flax and vegetables. In
those days everything worn was made at home, from a coat and
dress of jeans and linsey, to a pair of socks knit of cotton and
wool. Clothes were worn then on a much more economical
scale than now, two pairs of socks being considered ainple for
a man. (3)

In many places far from home, grain was crushed between
rocks, and wheat, if raised, was severed from the chaff by means
of flails. Owing to this fact but little wheat was cultivated
until threshing machines began to be introduced. Some little
buckwheat flour was raised, and occasionally rye. They cured
their own meat, consisting of pork, as well as venison, and bear
meat dried, or jerked, after being sliced up. Generally, during
the summer and spring the settlers would clear and cultivate
their patches of ground, in order to have a sufficiency of bread
during the following winter, and when the fall ushered in its
clear, frosty weather, hunting, the business of the winter,
began. Every morning the men of the household sallied forth
with their flintlock rifles, their powderhorn and shot-pouch, and
tow, used for wadding. They killed every kind of game that
presented itself, discarding what was unpalatable, and conveyed
home what could be used for food. The skins were always
preserved for shoes, clothing, cords and thongs. (4) All the

(3) The industry of those early ladies was something' marvellous. From a
Miss Wright, a lineal descendant of Peter Wright, who resided in the Alle-
ghany Mountains, we have the following recital handed down in her family by
tradition :

"There lived in our neighborhood a family by the name of Tucker. The
grandmother of the present generation of men. was a woman of great industry
and activity. Once a week she walked ten miles to the mill to have her grain
ground. She would place the turn upon her head, walk going and coming, and
knit a pair of socks on the way. She carried her ball of yarn in her pocket.
Her grandson, in relating her many deeds of prowess, always wound up by
saying : ' But though my grandmother could knit her pair of socks going
and coming from the mill, and tote her turn at the same time.' This old lady
was called Peggy Tucker."

(4) When General Andrew Lewis was on his expedition, in 1"56, known as the
"Big Sandy," on his route to Ohio, a buffalo was killed on a stream in West.
Virginia. His skin was cut into tugs, and hung up to dry. On their return
months afterwards the famished soldiers ate those pieces, and called the.
stream "Tug." To this day it is known as "Tug Fork" of Big Sandy River-.
"Dr. Campbell's Sketch."

Resources of Central West Virginia. 41

meat not used for present needs was dried, cured and hung away
for future use, or some of it presented to a less fortunate neigh-
bor, if he lived near enough to reach his home. By this means
their table was supplied, though scantily, and often a pioneer
would have to go out before eating anything early in the morn-
ing in order to secure his breakfast. The mode of locomotion of
the early settlers was primitive to the last extent. Personally,
they almost invariably walked — some more fortunate ones rode.
All their lumber and building material was dragged along land,
or floated down streams. Perishable material was conveyed
either on the back, or if too burdensome for that, placed upon
rudely constructed sledges, that were hauled by horses or oxen.
When one was so fortunate as to possess a horse, his wife
frequently rode behind him to preaching, to make a call, or go
elsewhere ; and even now in the extreme mountainous region
this custom prevails to a large extent. The young people
always walked ; generally together, and a ten or fifteen mile
tramp was not regarded as anything extraordinary. Roads were
nearly unknown at first, but trails were used instead, many of
these having been made by the Indians in crossing and recross-
ing mountains. They generally followed streams, except when
the latter made a large bend, then the trail cut across. As the
country became more thickly settled, the settlers opened up
avenues of communication, (5) But few of these existed, how-
ever, until the country was cut up into counties, and communi-
cation became a common occurrence between the more populous
settlements.

As courts were not in existence among the old pioneers, nor
magistrates generally near them, they were more or less a law
unto themselves. If a man committed murder, they quietly
had him sent to the nearest court-house within that jurisdiction,
and turned over to the proper authorities, If he simply killed
a fellow-being in a square fight, nothing was thought of it, and
no steps taken except to bury the dead man. Any one caught

(5) Many of these trails existed between various places, but there seems to
have been a principal one leading from west to east, over which the Indians
came. At various points the trees were marked so as to indicate the route, as
well as distance to various points, and were of assistance to pioneers in locating
themselves. One of the largest of these was the one made by the buffalo
through the cane-brake from the mouth of Limestone Creek in Kentucky to
the interior. The present Maysville and Lexington turnpike runs along the
old buffalo trail.

42 Heritage of the Trains- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

stealing in a large quantity, was niade to leave the settlement
at once, and if guilty of petty theft, was whipped. (6) If a man
wantonly destroyed his neighbor's property he was made to
return it either in kind or labor. Offences of a carnal nature
were severely dealt with : if a young girl was seduced, her near-
est male relative killed the seducer, and criminal intercourse
was promptly frowned down, by the guilty parties being exclud-
ed from the society of the entire settlement, until they either
amended their lives or married. If a person contracted debts,
and failed to pay them in kind or labor, he was not trusted by
any one in the settlement, and his promise was regarded as null
and void. And if a settler showed a disposition not to rectify
his breach of these unwritten laws, he was notified to leave the
settlement at once. He rarely left after a second notice, unless
carried away bodily. The result of these laws was a strong,
healthy morality, that permeated almost every early settle-
ment. "Whenever practicable, religious services took place in
some house at which the whole community would assemble, and
often prayer-nieetings were held. Swearing (except at an Indian)
was not encouraged, and Sabbath-breaking not tolerated ; on
the records of some of the earlier courts of these settlers are
found indictments for both Sabbath-breaking and profanity,
showing that their code of morality was by no means a low one.
While the hardships and toils endured by the early settlers
prevented their manners being either elegant, highly refined, or
cultured, they were genial, kind and hospitable. Scarcely any
one was guilty of injuring his neighbor, wounding his feelings, or
being absolutely rude. Each person did all in his power for the
pleasure and comfort of his brother-pioneer, and the door of his
cabin was ever open to friend, and stranger alike, and the best
in his house provided for both unstintingly. They were always
ready to assist and aid a new settler, giving him of their stores,
advice and knowledge, as he might see fit to ask, or demand.
Necessarily both their laws and manners made their customs
peculiar, compared to ours of the present day. Banded together
by the same ties ; bent on the same pursuit to reach a given
end; isolated, and cut off from all law, order, refinement and
culture, they forged a set of customs that have been handed

(6) From this custom of whipping lor potty larceny by the early settlers, was
inaugurated the statue of Virginia, introducing the whipping-post, which was
afterwards abolished.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 43

down like law. Their first and great custom was that every one
should join together to defend their settlements and homes from
the Indians, when any one was attacked — one which was religi-
ously obeyed. The first news that an attack had been made
by the redskins, brought out every male settler in the com-
munity ; and, in the mountains to-day, if any citizen is molested
the rest fly to his assistance at once. When any one desired to
build his house, or clear a patch of ground, the custom was to
summon his neighbors, and all joined in the work until finished.
(7) Owing to the peculiarity of their situation, the individuals
were drawn into closer bonds of union than those we have in
the present day, and were much more alive to each other's
wants. The ladies attended strictly to their household duties,
and at meals waited upon the table, therefore, they rarely ate
while the gentlemen did so. At services, too, at any place of
public worship, they generally occupied one side of the church,
while the men took the other.

Weddings were ordinarily turned into feasts of the liveliest
description, at which the guests and friends of the household
assembled to witness the ceremony, and afterwards have music
and dancing. (8) The bridal presents consisted of a bed, a chair,
a skillet, or some other useful household article, that would
enable the young people to begin housekeeping. As all the
manners and customs of these people were simple, so were their

(7) The assembling- to build the body of a house of log's was generally called
a house-raising1. When a settler desired to construct a building, he notified his
neighbors, who assembled at an appointed time, and in a short while the hewn
logs were in place, and the building ready for its roof. When a clearing was
to be made it was termed a "chopping." The assembly cut, rolled, and moved
the timber and brushwood, leaving the ground ready for cultivation. The
owner of the place usually gave a feast at the end of the work.

(8) " The marriages among the old settlers differed very materially from
those of the present day. Like a death, it was not an every-day occurrence .
and while celebrated in a different manner, was equally an important
event. On the day on which the ceremony took place, the bride was never
seen by any one except the bridesmaids, who assisted in robing her for the
occasion. The groom was accompanied by a brother, or his nearest male rela-
tive, and kept as much as possible from the crowd until the ceremony. After
that, the bride and groom were seated in two chairs by each other's side, to be
gazed at and talked to, until the dancing began. When the bride retired, she
was accompanied to her room by two of her maids of honor, who assisted in
disrobing her for retirement. After which, they descended, and notified tha
groom. He was then conducted up by two of his groomsmen, who disrobed
him and put him to bed." This custom must have been just the least bit try-
ing to a newly-made, blushing bride. Looney M. S.

44 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

amusements. Among the men these consisted of hunting, trap-
ping and fishing, principally. Occasionally they indulged in
light games, such as quoits, cards and marbles. Betting on any
game was religiously excluded, — so gambling was unknown.
Parties, house-raisings, choppings, quiltings, butter boilings,
were all made to furnish their quota of amusement for both
male and female, the old and the young. Dancings were fre-
quent, and picnics in the summer, connected with a fishing
bout, were not unknown. In everything the pioneer settlers
banded together ; they fasted, feasted, fought the Indians,
danced, prayed, and cursed with one common mind, and were
as true, loyal and rugged a set as ever existed.

But through the fertility of the soil they had won, and their
frugal industry, these people soon improved their condition in
every way. The law of supply and demand found its way be-
yond the rugged mountains, and the means of bringing away
the surplus made by the pioneer settlers and their descendants
were used by capital and traders. When the 19th century was
ushered in, and their supply of grain exceeded their wants, and
furs were abundant, trading establishments were located ; and
as their means increased, so did their wants. The traders took
out such articles as they thought would please them, taking
their supplies in return, until money as a commodity of exchange
began to flow freely to supply the channels of trade. At last, as
their tastes advanced, they erected better houses, and improved
their farms more to increase the supply that was in demand.
The gentlemen wanted better material for their houses and
farms ; the ladies finer wearing apparel. (9) In order to facili-
tate a better communication, highways were constructed be-

(9) A leading- gentlemen of this section gives a very forceful recital illus-
trating how careful the ladies of those early days were with their footgear,
they purchased. He gets the story from a letter written early in the 19th cen-
tury by his grandmother then living on the frontier, and the facts he detailed
are true. He said:

"When the first trader came to the section where Chamblissburg, in Bed-
ford County, now stands, he brought some very pretty ladies' shoes, two pairs
of which were purchased for some ladies by their lather. The girls were aews-
tomed to fur shoes, and going barefooted in the summer. Some time after they
got their shoes religious services took place about four miles from their home.
On the morning in question they set out with their shoes in their hand, and
walked until they reached a branch about a quarter of a mile from the church.
There they bathed their feet, and putting on their shoes and stockings pro-
ceeded to church. On their return, when just out of sight, they took them off,
and walked barefooted back home. They did not believe two such fine pairs of
shoes would ever be made again. One of those ladies is the ancestress of three
of the leading men of our country."

Resources of Central West Virginia. 45

tween the east and the west, traversing the mountains, and
gradually they improved until the whole region became by the
middle of the century greatly improved, and in many places
wealth was accumulated, and followed by refinement and cul-
ture. Comfortable houses were erected; education encouraged,
and at last capital sought the northern portion, causing a devel-
opment the early settlers scarcely dreamed about. A careful
glance at this region as it stands to-day, with some account of
the means used in bringing its hidden treasures to light, is by no
means uninteresting.

46 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAPTER IV.

C 'o u idles Composing th is Region. — Boundaries of Same. — Area of
Square Miles. — Topography of the Country. — Scenery. — Cli-
mate.— Soil.
The region of Central West Virginia won by the early Trans-
Alleghany-pioneei's through the hardships we have detailed, is
quite extensive in territory. The trackless forest through which
the wily Indian trailed, and the hardy settler trod had been
fought for, until the pathway was stained with the blood shed
by the Indian, and strewn with the scalps taken from, the Cau-
casian. Through toil, hardship, and suffering, these brave set-
tlers gradually improved this region, which at present is com-
posed of the following counties : Barbour, Braxton, Calhoun,
Clay, Doddridge, Grant, Gilmer, Harrison, Jackson, Lewis, Mar-
ion, Mason, Mineral, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Randolph, Ritchie,
Roane, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur, Webster, "Wirt, and Wood. By
the treaty with France in 17G3, all this section was comprised
within the limits of the county of Augusta, and subsequently, as
the population increased, and law and order was necessary, new
counties began to be cut off from the parent county, until the sec-
tion we now write of has twenty-four. These were formed gradu-
ally, as the needs of the people required. Harrison was cut off in
the year 1784, having been taken from Monongalia. In 1787, the
County of Randolph was carved from Harrison. Wood County
was meted off in 1799 from Harrison. During 1804, Mason County
was established, having stood previously as a part of Kanawha.
The now populous County of Lewis was cut off from Harrison in
1816, while Nicholas was taken in 1818, from Kanawha, Green-
brier, and Randolph. Bath County of Virginia, and Pendleton,
and Randolph Counties of West Virginia, furnished the territory
for the formation of Pocahontas in 1821. And from these counties
at later dates, within the memory of the ordinary historian, were
taken, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Grant, Gilmer, Jack-
son, Marion, Mineral, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur,
Webster, Wirt and Wood. These were not made counties in the
alphabetical order in which we have named them, but cut off
as the country became opened up, and settled.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 47

This central part of West Virginia is bounded on the north
by the Counties of Pleasants, Tyler, AVetzel, Monongalia, Pres-
ton, and Grant ; west by the Ohio River ; south by the Counties
of Cabell, Putnam, Kanawha, Payette, and Greenbrier ; on the
east by the Alleghany Range of Mountains, properly speaking.
It possesses an area of 10,217 squai'e miles, extending from the
mountains to the Ohio River. The diversity of formations
throughout this region is so comprehensive that we have every
age, except the azoic period from which to draw. Within the
eastern boundaries we can look over the immense Appalachian
range, with its wonderful upheavals and disturbances, while on
the west, we can turn our vision over the broad lowlands of the
Ohio River.

From the extent of territory embraced within the bounda-
ries named, the topography of the section is a varied one, as can
be readily seen. Mountains, valleys, ridges, faults, planes and.
bottoms succeed each other, from the lofty ranges of the Alle-
ghany, to the lowlands of the Ohio ; and in such a condition of
surface are all the facilities for every class of agriculture, and
every degree of manufacture. All of those counties bordering
the western base of the Alleghany Mountains, are situated in
the lovely valleys lying between the spurs of the range, as it
slopes westward to the planes of the Ohio. The spurs are filled,
more or less, with minerals, while the vales are rich and pro-
ductive. The region is admirably watered by the Cheat River,
and its tributaries, that run through Randolph and Tucker
Counties ; the Greenbrier, running through Pocahontas ; the
Gauley and its branches, running through Webster and Nich-
olas ; the Elk and its streams, running through Braxton and
Clay Counties ; the West Fork, running through Lewis and
Harrison ; the Monongahela, flowing through Harrison and
Marion ; the Tygart's Valley, running through Barbour, Tay-
lor and Marion ; and the Little Kanawha, flowing through
Gilmer, Calhoun, Wirt and Wood Counties. These streams, in
addition to other smaller ones, not only afford ample facilities
for draining the soil, and a wholesome supply of pure water,
but are of the greatest utility for agricultural purposes, as well
as manufacturing interests. There are some very interesting
formations connected with the western spurs of the Alleghany
range. In many places, owing to the upheaval when the Appa-
lachian chain was formed, almost every structure of the geolo-
gical column is represented, with its accompanying minerals,.

Salt Lick Falls.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 49

except t'he primary rocks of the archaen period. In some of
this section valleys are delightfully situated on the tops of
mountains, in the shape of an oval bowl. Such is the topo-
graphy of the country immediately surrounding Camden-on-
Gauley. The ascent and descent of these unusual formations
are of such an easy nature, that railroads are readily con-
structed to their midst. All the valleys along the banks of the
streams not only lend variety to the hills, but are very product-
ive for agricultural purposes, as well as stock-grazing. The hill-
sides have, in many places, a splendid southern exposure, where
blue grass grows indigenously. The altitudes vary from a few
hundred to three thousand two hundred feet above the sea
level, giving, as can be easily imagined, some change in the
climate. As the heights of the mountains are descended, the
valleys along the different streams broaden out as we proceed
westward, while the spurs decrease to hills until the broad
plane is reached, where the gentle waters of the beautiful Ohio
flow peacefully onward from the hills of West Virginia to the
extended prairies of the West. The scenery of such a country
is necessarily the most beautiful and picturesque on earth. A
great part of this region is still wild, with its wealth of scenery,
timber, and mineral resources. Only a few years ago everything
in this section was wild and silent. The beautiful scenic views
were enjoyed by the beasts of the forest, the birds of the air,
and nature alone. The swaying branches of the primeval oaks,
and hickories were undisturbed save by the whistling of the
winds, the rushing of the waters, and the roar of the storms.
The wolf, the bear, the deer, and the panther, marched through
the distant ravines and gorges, monarchs of all this lovely
scenery, watching the laurel, the sumac and the linden, as they
gave their glistening colors to the sun. Grauley River leaped
along its rugged way, overshadowed by the beautiful foliage,
and undisturbed, except by the fantastic shades and shadows
dancing on its waters in the glittering sunlight, as they sounded
down ravines and gorges, to join those of the turged New below.
The eagle and the hawk, in sombre solitude, perched upon the
cragged peaks overhanging the West Fork, and the precipitous
cliffs of the Little Kanawha, listened to the chirp of the spar-
row, the note of the thrush, and the whirr of the pheasant.
The sportive grey squirrel bounded from bough to bough,
stopping ever and anon to admire his shadow made by his
gambols amid the honeysuckle and laurel. The silent trails of

50 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

the decoying Indian, and listening pioneer, had grown cold
under this lovely scenery, as the one receded westward, while
the other returned home, From where the Elk flows in a nar-
row ravine, to "where it broadens into a plane, the beautiful
views were undisturbed, save for the howl of the wolf, the
bound of the deer, and the cry of the panther.

Through these high, snow-capped hills the numerous streams
cut their way flowing over billows of stone, and by sharp, jagged
end of rocks, until they pass gorge after gorge, ravine after ra-
vine, to empty their waters into those of the Kanawha, and
Ohio. In passing along the railroads the variety is startling !
One moment we whirl across a little valley, looking north and
south, and pass a roaring stream dashing downwards — the next
we are in darkness — a tunnel ! Suddenly the light gleams upon
a precipitous gorge, or steep ravine, running up one side hun-
dreds of feet, while on the other dances the merry waters of
some cascade tumbling down the mountain. At one place a
stream broadens almost into a lake — at another it narrows into
a creek. Boulders of rock jut out as if hanging by a thread;
huge ravines sink back as if hammered in. Wild and weird
grows the picture, until the whole culminates in some sublime
scene, that causes our earthly sense of sight to pause, and ask
if it is not gazing on the supernatural.

It matters not to what point of the compass we direct our
footsteps in this region, the scenery is not only beautiful, but
varied. If we rush along the West Virginia and Pittsburg
Railroad, from Weston to Pickens, the view is one of rare
beauty. The broad plains around Buckhannon, in Upshur
County, sweep away to the blue mountains north and south,
while, eastward on the West Virginia Central 11. R. we whirl into
a trackless forest. The high cliffs on one side, with the river cut-
ting its way through ravines of stone on the other, make us feel
as if the train we were on was civilization carving its way for
the first time into a wilderness. The sombre shadows of the
dense forest give a weird shading to the whole, unbroken save
by the brighter colors of the honeysuckle and violets, peeping
'mid the leaves, as if struggling to catch the rays of sunlight
dancing through the dense foliage above. From Weston to Sut-
ton, and then on to Camden-on-Grauley, we have a different, but
not less lovely, scene. Winding around West Fork, in a tortu-
ous way, we pass the lovely forests and rolling hills of Lewis
County, until wilder Braxton is reached. At Flatwoods the

Resources of Central West Virginia. 51

view grows grander as we approach the Elk, along the beautiful
waters of which we go for miles, winding up Laurel, until the
plateau on Grauley is seen, studded with hills and vales, amid
which nestles the young town of Cainden-on-Gauley. And it is
here that the view culminates in grandeur. The deep gorges
and ravines along the Elk River are succeeded by the rugged,
precipitous cliffs of the Grauley, that hang like huge boulders of
earth and stone over the river banks, as they wind westward.

From this region of wilder beauty, in a few hours, the West
Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad will transport us to Clarks-
burg, where we catch the historic Baltimore and Ohio for the
Ohio River. Through Harrison, Doddridge, Ritchie and Wood,
a less weird, but grander scene strikes our vision. The rolling
hills gradually increase until they become mountains — wild,
and rugged, as we whirl through tunnel after tunnel, speeding
on towards Parkersburg Descending, valleys come in view
interspersed with spurs of the Alleghany that give the whole a
never-tiring variety. This scenery, as well as the rest along the
Baltimore and Ohio between Parkersburg and Harper's Ferry,
contains a wealth of views that are familiar to the households
of all people North and South, who appreciate loveliness in
nature.

The scene down the West Virginia side of the Ohio River,
along the Ohio River Railroad, while neither so wild nor weird
as the mountains proper, is grander, and more subdued. The
broad expanse of view given after being hemmed in by the
mountains is a relief, and the placid Ohio looks so soothing and
peaceful after the rushing of the mountain streams. The low
hills of Wood, Jackson and Mason greet the eye as the valley
stretches away until the hills of the Ohio side are seen. For
over a hundred miles in West Virginia, this valley extends north
and south, as far as the eye can reach, dotted here and there
with cities and towns, while in the interior, succulent farms may
be seen. The valley grows narrower after Ravenswood is
passed, continuing so by Hartford, Mason City, Clifton and
Point Pleasant, when it broadens again from the mouth of Biir
Kanawha to the bustling city of Huntington. No lovelier view
than this can be found anywhere, and from this valley, eastward
to the Alleghany proper, West Virginia has every variety of
scenery from the western lowlands to the rugged mountains.

ALDERSON-BROADDUS COLLEGE
LIBRARY

Si

Resources of Centril West Virginia. 53

As some erroneous views are held by non-residents concern-
ing the climate of this section we desire to disabuse those by a
statement of facts. It is known that this section lies in the
middle latitudes, so it is necessarily free from the extremes of
heat and cold. The climate, while varying somewhat in different
localities, is a good one, particularly in the valleys and moun-
tainous region of the section, The territory is free from the cold
of the Northern States and heat of the South. The Appalachian
range passing through this section shelters it from the western
tornadoes, which leave such disaster in their train. These
destructive elements that have brought so much trouble to
people in the extreme West, beat in vain against these rock-ribbed
barriers that tower up as protecting walls for the inhabitants
between. The climate is moreover an equable one in which to
reside. (1) It is a delightful summer climate, closly resembling
that of the springs region of the two Virginias, and compares
favorably with that of Milan, Turin and Vienna, in Europe.
During the summer, even in July, August and September, the
nights are cool enough for covering, and in the mountains a fan
can always be excluded in the shade. Mountain showers are fre-
quent, refreshing everything, yet the water is quickly carried off
by the naturally fine drainage. (2) The heavy dews play an
important part, for with the showers, they insure the farmer
against any such catastrophe as drought, and moisture is amply
sufficient for the growth of grasses for hay, as well as pasture.
While there is some difference in the climate of the counties
bordering the mountains, and those on the Ohio River, the
latter is very pleasant.

(li The following temperature is that given by the Weather Bureau atPark-
■ersburg, West Virginia, for this region ;
"Mean temperature for each month :

1889 1890 1891 1892 1893

January 36 42 36 27 22

February 30 43 40 38 36

March 43 37 39 37 42

April 53 54 55 51 55

May 62 62 59 62 63

June 68 74 73 75 72

July 74 73 70 74 76

August , 70 70 71 73 72

September 61 65 69 66 67

October 50 55 53 53 56

November 44 46 42 40 42

December 33 47 33 41

For the year 52 55 53 53 —

W. W. DENT, Observer."

54

Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

But the sense of conifort and pleasure derived from a cli-
mate, such as we have described, are not all of its chief charac-
teristics. It is a remarkably healthy one. Consumptives have
as long a lease on life here as elsewhere, and there is a total
absence of all malarial troubles. Ague, chills and fever, are
unknown, while the air gives a wonderful lever to nature in
recovering a patient to health who has once suffered from the
blood poisoning, commonly known as malaria. Longevity of
life is obtained by the majority of the people in this region, and
the territory, as a whole, will compare favorably with any in the
wrorld on the subject of climate. Certainly there are two facts
connected with it that render it very superior : freedom from
the northeast chilling rains and vaporous fogs that have such a
depressing effect upon the human race ; and the presence of a
bracing northwest wind that gives wonderful elasticity to the
frames and minds of humanity. The climate of a country has
much tc do with the disposition of the people who are born and
bred in it, and whose parents have been affected by it. (3) This
is one of the reasons that people in the middle latitudes are
superioi in every respect to those existing north and south of
the territory. During life the inhabitants are unusually free
from any chronic diseases, and are generally hale and hearty,
being peculiarly free from all dyspeptic complaints. As a place
of residence, for health and comfort, no more superior climate
can be found in America, than the region of which we are
writing.

The soil of this whole extent of territory is valuable in
every sense. We speak, too, advisedly upon the subject, from
the fact, owing to West Virginia's being rough in surface, some

(2) The following statistics are carefully compiled, and give the average
inches of rain-fall during the seasons of the year, varying but little :

Spring 10.6

Summer 11.9

Autumn 9.5

Winter 9.8

Tear 41.8

(3) It hae been observed by people investigating the subject, that climate
plays an important part in the disposition, as well as the habit of those affected
by it. In the North, or frigid climate, people are by nature cold, and acquire a
cool, calculating way of living that renders them impervious to the genial
amenities of life. Selfishness is sure to develop itself tc a certain extent. On
the other hand people living in the region of the torrid zone, are so much
carried away by warmth of temper and impulse of the moment that reason
scarcely has a chance to play.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 55

are disposed, on that account, to decry the value of its soil as
an agricultural country. But it is our duty, and it should be
our policy, to take things as they are, and not as they seem.
The valleys and lowlands are admirable for all the purposes of
agriculture, while the mountains and hills produce blue grass
indigenously, that is so necessary for stock-raising. On the Ohio
valley, and in the lowlands generally, the soil is a rich choco-
late, sandy loam, of the best producing capacity. These lands, in
the winter, are more or less submerged under the overflow of
streams, becoming thereby rejuvinated in fertility every two or
three years. And these facts apply to all the soil along the
larger water courses we have already named. In many sections
limestone is found, and the soil here assumes a stiff, clay loam,
varying in color from light yellow to dark red and wine color.
On he mountain sides, a loose chocolate, gravelly earth is found,
peculiarly adapted to the production of vegetables and small
fruit. The potatoes and cabbage raised in this section give us
a most favorable opinion as to the power of its production. In
the limestone regions there is a durable and fei-tile soil, well
adapted to the growth of grain and grass, In Randolph, and
Lewis, and Harrison Counties, where the slate belts lie, the mix-
ture of the decomposed aluminous rocks makes a lighter and
warmer soil. Going nearer the base of the Alleghany range, we
have the sandstone formations, that render the ground colder,
requiring more cultivation and fertilizing, in order to render it
productive. Nearly the whole section has a fine surface, run-
ning in belts with the stratas of the valleys, showing wonderful
fertility as a whole, there being but few lean spots in it. The
streams are very crooked, making more or less bottom land that
is good for producing purposes.

Passing westward Ave come to Potomac, Cranberry, Cheat,
Elk, Oauley, "West Fork, Monongahela, and Little Kanawha
Rivers. Along all these streams we find as arable a soil
for both production and grazing, as can be seen in any coun-
try. And up from the streams wherever the growth of the
timber is checked or deadened, blue grass comes naturally,
which accounts for all the fine stock that is raised in
this section. Wherever the soil has been properly tilled,
the returns from agricultural products, as well as grasses
and grazing, show a handsome profit. So, taking even the moun-
tainous lands, looking as rough as they appear, experience tells
that they are capable of high production in every sense, not-

Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Cheat Mountain Grade.

withstanding the fact that West Virginia does not rank high as
an agricultural State. This proceeds from the character of the
cultivation of the lands, rather than from any want of a pro
ductive soil. Thousands upon thousands of acres now lie un-
filled, capable of a high degree of cultivation, and only waiting

Resources of Central West Virginia. 57

a proper tillage to yield a handsome return in every way agricul-
turally. Taking the section of AVest Virginia bordering on tin-
Ohio River, and there is not a finer country in an agricultural
"way under the sun. This soil produces the very finest yields of
cereals, and grasses, as "well as every variety of small fruit. It is
this productive region that has doubtless assisted in giving the
Ohio River R. R. some of its material on "which its fine financial
standing has gone before the country, which is a credit to the
management of that thoroughfare.

While it is not suitable at this stage of our work to go mi-
nutely into either the agricultural, or mineral resources of the
section, until the means that set their development afoot is rela-
ted, it is not amiss to give some idea of them in connection with
the topography and soil of the country. All of the lands in the
Ohio Valley, as well as on the other streams, are suitable for the
production of corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, hay, and the usual
vegetables. In the western part of the State, bordering the
Ohio section, some tobacco is cultivated. So far as mineral
wealth goes the region is unsurpassed. On the western base of
the Alleghanies, where the Pottsdam sand stone abounds, there
is the celebrated Oriskany system of iron ores, which, while re-
quiring intimate study, and are hard to understand, are the most
reliable in the South. In other sections the limonites, argilla-
ceous, and granotites range in working quantities. Unlimited
fields of bituminous coals exist, and cannel coal in large quantity
has been found. Oil, gas, fire-clays, sandstones, marble, and
glass sands are abounding, ready to be taken out. The Avhole
region was stored with agricultural, and mineral wealth that
waited for ages for the necessary means to be developed, and
their benefit given to mankind. These facilities were at last es
tablished, which, with the united efforts of some enterprising
people, have placed the whole region on the highway to pros-
perity. Whatever riches any country may possess, they can
never be wholly determined, or understood, without sufficient
transportation facilities have been constructed to interest capital
in their development. And to obtain a concise, prudent account
of the wealth of a country, we cannot adopt a wiser Course than
to follow the history of these highways from stage to stage,
until reaching the present time we see precisely what surrounds
us in the land of which we are writing.

C. K. LORD,
Third Vice-President, B. & O. R. K,

Resources of Central Went Virginia. 59

CHAPTER V.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad System. — Its Extent as a
National System. — Its Development of this Section. — Bearing
on the Region of which we are Writing. — Its Present
Policy towards West Virginia. — C. K. Lord, Third Vice
President. — Charles 0. Scull, General Passenger Agent. —
B. and 0. Field. — M. V. Richards, Land and Immigration
Agent. — His Policy for Developing the Resources. — Some-
thing of the Service of the Baltimore and Ohio Line. —
The Royal Blue Line. — Pittsburg and Southern Route.
This railway system is at the present time one of the national
competing systems of America. The space that is necessary to
detail its gradual development ; its various ramifications, and
extent of territory covered, is wanting. We can only touch
sufficiently upon it to show its bearing upon this section of West
Virginia as an outlet of transportation, and its policy adopted
towards the development of the region.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad System may be said to be
one of steel bands connecting the great commercial marts of the
North and Northeast, with those of the West and Southwest.
It is one of the great thoroughfares that brings New York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington into daily communi-
cation with Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis. And one of the
main lines of this system connecting the East and West, traverses
for quite an extent this section of West Virginia of which we
are writing, giving the country an extensive outlet and markets
for trading purposes, both East and West, Northeast and South-
west. The region can export its agricultural products ; its
minerals, and vast timber resources to all parts of the Union,
having in exchange the best commodities of the entire land and
country, without being restricted to any particular locality of
the compass. This line enters West Virginia on the east, near
Harper's Ferry, one of the divisional points of the road, and
pursues its route through the Counties of Jefferson, Berkley,
Morgan, Hampshire, Mineral, Preston, Taylor, Harrison, Dodd-

60 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

ridge, Ritchie and Wood, reaching the Ohio River at Parkers-
burg, the western boundary of the State. In addition to the
direct development of the counties through which it passes, it
plays an important part on the whole of the central section, in
being the main outlet for the West Virginia Central and Pitts-
burg, the Greenbrier and Grafton Division of the Baltimore
and Ohio, the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, the Monon-
gahela River Railroad, and the narrow gauge line from Penns-
boro to Ritchie Court House, and from Tunnelton to Kingwood.
Prom the time the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was con-
structed in this section in 1856, nntil the present day, the
country has progressed rapidly. With the exception of the
material improvement of the counties bordering the Ohio River,
the remainder of the region before the advent of this line, was
a wild, — untutored in material development, and relegated to
the most primitive mode of living. Comforts were few; luxu-
ries none, and civilization and refinement, in a progressive way,
unknown. The rush of steam engines, however, through the
counties we have named brought about a wonderful change.
The immense timber resources were utilized ; agricultural
interests improved ; the large coal fields and other mineral
deposits were opened up, until the whole section along the line
has become a thriving business centre. Harper's Perry, Mar-
tinsburg, Hancock, Paw Paw, Keyser, Piedmont, Terra Alta,
Rowlsburg, Tunnelton, Grafton, Clarksburg, (1) West Union,
Central, Pennsboro, and Parkersburg, towns in this region,
ranging from five hundred to thirteen thousand inhabitants,
have been the result, in a great measure, of the development
inaugurated by the construction of the Grafton and Parkers-
burg Line of the Baltimore and Ohio System. All along the
road may be seen mines, manufacturing industries and com
mercial interests flourishing ; and so rapid has been the advance

(1) For location, fertility of soil, and rich mineral deposits, the town of
Clarksburg- is more fortunately situated than any other place along the line of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in West Virginia. With every advantage of
nature lavished upon it in the most prodigal manner, it should have been a
city of fifty thousand inhabitants. It has made but little progress in a quar-
ter of a century, and stands as a monument of how a place, blessed with the
gifts of nature, may never progress, when public spiritedness, energy and
public patriotism is relegated back behind old fossil ways, ancient ruts, and
every per cent. I can get on money loaned. It is to be hoped that the younger
■set will see the error of the past ways, and throw that spirit, necessary to make
it a city, into its future material development.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 61

of this section since the line was built, that through this region
the State has its principal reputation abroad. This country is,
by far, the most prosperous in the State, and its prosperity may
be said to have resulted from the advent of the Baltimore and
Ohio Line.

As may well be imagined, the bearing of this great railway
system is immense on this country. The outlet it gives for
exportation, and inlet for importation, is the life of commercial
success in the region. By means of the Metropolitan Branch of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the Philadelphia Division,
and traffic arrangements with the Philadelphia and Reading
and the Central Railroad of New Jersey, Baltimore, Wilming-
ton, Del., Philadelphia, Trenton, Elizabeth, Jersey City, and
New York, are in quick communication with this region. Agri-
cultural products of every class can be sent east to consumers,
and comforts and luxuries imported at short notice. The
country, in a mercantile, financial, and social way, is in touch
with the throbbing pulse of the great metropolis of the east,
through the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as a connecting link.
Nor are the western connections less important. The Baltimore
and Ohio South- West, running westward from Parkersburg,
and branching with its extensions in every direction, plays an
important part in the system of which we are writing. Besides
the Main Line running to Cincinnati, the Baltimore and Ohio
South-West has branches extending from Hamden to Poi-ts-
mouth, from Belpre to Marietta, and Blanchester to Hillsboro.
The Columbus Line is a favorite one, and very popular in every
way. The acquisition of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad by
the Baltimore and Ohio, places all the valuable section of the
West, between Cincinnati and St. Louis, in immediate commu-
nication with West Virginia. The mineral resources of West
Virginia, and her vast timber interests, can be exported West to
all points, while the vast grain and meat products of the lat-
ter can come East. This vast means of transportation has
told wonderfully on the development of this section of West
Virginia.

But the means of transportation is by no means the only
bearing on this region by the Baltimore and Ohio. The
actual capital invested by the Railroad Company in the
State along its lines has been a large entering wedge in the
development of the country. The effect of progress on a
State by a railway system may be direct, or indirect. When a

Resources of Central West Virginia. 63

railroad is constructed through any section, the money expended
in the cost of building, and operating the same, with its trans-
portation facilities, bring a certain species of development in
its train, that naturally follows. Towns and villages spring up
along its line. The employment given produces an influx of
population. This may be termed indirect growth brought on
by the advent of the line. But the Baltimore and Ohio System
has not only been the means of this kind of development, but
inaugurated a direct mode of progress in Central West Virginia.
The length of its line running east and west through the State
attained such an extent that divisional stops for the change of
engines and crews became necessary. Shops, round-houses and
repairing buildings were erected at Parkersburg, Grafton and
Keyser. The result was a large outlay of capital by the com-
pany, and employment to thousands of men. Grafton, now a
thriving town, as well as Keyser, are purely Baltimore and Ohio
creations. The former is not only a divisional point for the
New York and Cincinnati route, but the Wheeling Branch as
well. Crews upon both lines change here, The result is
Grafton has become a flourishing town. So with the city of
Parkersburg and town of Keyser. In the ways mentioned, it
can be easily seen that the bearing of this system upon West
Virginia is very great, with a certainty of increase, as the line
■extends with its ramifications.

The present policy of this line is for the material growth
and progress of Central West Virginia. The Main Line is fed by
many branches, and the West Virginia and Pittsburg, and
Monongahela, at Clarksburg, and the West Virginia Central
and Pittsburg at Piedmont. The result is self-interest, the
strongest motive known to humanity, must actuate the Balti-
more and Ohio to cultivate the prosperity and traffic drawn
through its feeders from Central West Virginia. And it comes
within our knowledge that no pains are spared by the line of
which we are writing, to bring out and place before the world
the resources of this section. The traffic department, under the
management of a broad-spirited man, is opening its channels to
this region. Mr. C. K. Lord, Third Vice-President of the sys-
tem, is particularly interested in the resources of Central West
Virginia. — knowing their futui'e value to his line in the way of
traffic. (2) Every possible encouragement is given to those
desiring to locate along the line in the way of freight rates, ser-
vice and side tracks. The comp any, in addition to the invest-

64 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or.

ments already named, has purchased large properties in this-.
State, and is now engaged in their development. The passen-
ger department lends its aid, as far as possible, to place the
country in an attractive way before the public. This depart-
ment, under the admirable training of Mr. Charles 0. Scull,
gives the world much in connection with the scenery of the
State, that has attracted wide-spread notice. (3) But, probably,
one of the greatest engines inaugurated by the Baltimore and
Ohio System, is the " Baltimore and Ohio Field," a journal
published in Baltimore, for the benefit of the country tributary
to the line of the railroad. This undertaking, under a careful
management, has gradually improved, until Mr. M. V. Richards,
Land and Immigration Agent, has caused it to gain a national
reputation. (4) The knowledge disseminated by this journal is

(2) Mr. C. K. Lord, Third Vice President of the Baltimore and Ohio System'
has not only given West Virginia every possible facility through railway chan-
nels for development, but has shown his faith in the central part, by investing
in various enterprises. His knowledge concerning railway matters is quite
extensive. Born in Hoosac Falls, N. Y. , he entered the railway service in 1865 ;
since which he has risen steadily until the year 1888, when he was created Third
Vice President of this system. He is one of the directors of the West Virginia
and Pittsburg Railroad, and the Monongahela River Railroad. He has taken
an active interest in all matters connected with the material development of
West Virginia. He regards this State as equal in resources to any other in the
Union, as to coal, timber and other products. His is a familiar name in Central
West Virginia, being inseparably connected with his system, wherever the
development of the region is mentioned. The gratitude due him is cheerfully
accorded by the people here, which is doubtless appreciated by him.

(3) Mr. Scull is peculiarly fitted for the position he now fills. Educated in
railroad service, he comes from the well disciplined corps of passenger
men, that the Pennsylvania System has turned out. He posseses a perceptive
power for the needs of passenger service, evolving many original ideas for
attracting people along his lines. He lends prompt attention to anything con-
nected with the reputation of the country along his line, giving every avail-
able means for the spreading of the same in the most attractive mode. West-
Virginia has come in for its share.

(4) The policy pursued by this journal has been of infinite service to the
country along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and its tributaries-
Particularly has its pages been devoted to the placing of Central West Vir-
ginia's resources on the West Virginia and Pittsburg and Monongahela Rail-
roads. It has culled information from every quarter with reference to the
agricultural products, timber wealth, and mineral resources, and given them
to the public, north, south, east and west. Mr. M. V. Richards has charge of
this important branch of development, for which he possesses peculiar capa-
city. A wide knowledge of every section of the Union, particularly the West,
combined with broad intellectual capacity, gives him full power wherewith to-
publish to the world the advantages of this rich section in a proper manner.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 65

the concensus of opinion of those who have the means and
opportunity of judging.

The wealth, advantages, and resources of this region are
constantly kept alive in such a mode as is sure to attract more
or less settlers. Too great credit cannot be given this enterprise,
nor the good it does be readily computed. From this cursory
view of some of the undertakings of the Baltimore and Ohio
System, may be gathered its present policy towards Central
West Virginia. It is a most progressive one in every sense.

The service of a railway system, especially passenger, has
more to do with the progress of a country than would be sup-
posed from a casual view. First impressions with some people
have a great deal to do with the makeup of conclusions and
opinions. "Who has not connected miserable railway service
more or less with the section we are in when passing through it ?
Like a bad hotel, it irritates on the start, so we dissuade and
discourage friends and others from passing that way. And
countries, like gold-mines, can never be developed unless they
are seen and known. The service along the Baltimore and Ohio
is amply good and sufficient for its traffic, being an attractive
one in every way. At Cumberland, Maryland, the Main Line
from the East, and Northeast Branches, one going via Pittsburg
to Chicago, the other via Grafton to Wheeling, Bellaire, and
other points West, and to Parkersbiirg, Cincinnati and St. Louis.
Over these various lines through express and passenger trains
are run on the quickest schedule, with Pullman sleeping and
buffet cars, and all the modern appliances, comforts and lux-
uries. The through New York, Cincinnati and St. Louis Express,
running double-daily vestibuled trains, traverse the section of
which we are writing, giving it ample passenger facilities, and
an opportunity for strangers passing through to see the country
and make enquiries concerning it. Local trains, to accommodate
passengers in the section, are arranged on a schedule to suit the
travelling public, with reference to pursuit of business and
comfort of life. By means of these trains a person can reside in
Parkersburg, or Clarksbux-g, or Grafton, with his family and
attend to his business elsewhere every day. The service is very
complete in every way.

But it would be amiss to close this particular subject without
some reference to what is known as "The Royal Blue Line,''
comprising the Metropolitan Branch, and Philadelphia Division
of the Baltimore and Ohio. Whoever goes from this section is

55

Resources of Central West Virginia. 07

never satisfied in wending his way North, unless he alights
from the express train at Washington, and goes over one of the
trains of the "Royal Blue Line," that has acquired the reputa-
tion of being the most complete line in the United States. A
careful comparison of these trains with others over national
systems, give the palm of victory to the "Royal Blue Line,''
when speed, comfort, ease, elegance and cultured taste are all
considered. The parlor cars on this line are miniature palaces,
fitted up luxuriously. One is transported from Baltimore to
New York in an incredibly short time with the most perfect ease
and comfort. The ultimate success of the Baltimore and Phila-
delphia Division justified the wisdom that first thought of
running an opposition road to the Pennsylvania lines. This
line fought the Baltimore and Ohio undertaking bitterly, and
the latter only carried its point by the most lavish expense, and
dogged determination. But it is now one of the best paying
portions of the whole system. No better service is found in
America than that afforded by the "Royal Blue/' over which
every one is desirous of going when travelling North.

This system is destined to play by no means an unimportant
part in what will be geographically the through route between
Pittsburg and the South. We allude to the link just finished
between Morgantown, West Virginia, and Uniontown, Pa. The
extension of the West Virginia and Pittsburg, south to some
point on the Chesapeake and Ohio, will give a much shorter
mode of travel between Uniontown, Connellsville, Bradford,
HcKeesport, Pittsburg and Alleghany, in Pennsylvania, to the
South, than the ones now adopted for use. Time and distance
will be saved, and the present routes practically abandoned —
those by Washington, D. C, and Charleston, West Virginia.
The manufacturing industries North will be more intimately
connected with the raw material of the South — that of Central
West Virginia in particular. A new country through this region
will be opened up, whereby it can pour its tribute of vast quan-
tities of lumber and mineral resources into the laps of the
manufacturing industries North.

The Baltimore and Ohio with all its lines, feeders, branches,
and links is one of the finest in America. It passes through the
best section of country in the land, not least of which is Central
West Virginia.

63 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAPTER VI.

The Ohio River Railroad. — Its Earlier History. — Bearing on
this Section. — Its Present Status, Management and Condi-
tion.— Number of Miles Operated, and Financial State cf
the Company.

The Ohio River Railroad, that runs on the West Virginia
side of the Ohio River from Wheeling, in the northern part of
the State, to Kenova, that is situated on the borders of Ken-
tucky, has an important bearing on the section of country now
tinder consideration. Its Main Line runs through a large part of
the region, while its branches penetrate the interior. It is a
south-western and north-west, and east outlet for Central West
Virginia, furnishing ample transportation facilities for a region
that would be virtually dependent upon primitive modes if the
line was not in existence. It is a connecting link between the
great Pennsylvania System, running into Wheeling in the
northern part of West Virginia, and the Chesapeake and Ohio
System running east and west through the southern part of the
State. As a local line, it traverses a fertile valley, not only
rich in agricultural resources, but a country bristling with
oil plants, coal mines, and manufacturing industries.

To the wisdom of Senator Johnson N. Camden is probably
due the original idea of constructing this road. Seeing the
many advantages to be derived from a route along the Ohio
River, he succeeded in obtaining the interest of others in the
plan. On April 18, 1881, a charter was obtained under the name
the Wheeling, Parkersburg and Charleston Railroad. The
rights of way from Wheeling to Parkersburg, were obtained
principally by Mr. Greorge W. Thompson, the present President.
On December 16th, 1882, the charter was amended, and name
changed to the Ohio River Railroad ; June loth, 1884, the road
was opened from Wheeling to Parkersburg for traffic, a distance
of over one hundred miles. January, 1886, traffic was opened
between Point Pleasant and Parkersburg, and April 1st, 1888,
saw the entire route in operation between Wheeling and Hunt-
ington. The Huntington and Big Sandy Railroad, that was

Resources of Central West Virginia. 69

built to run from Guyandotte to the Big- Sandy via Huntington,
was opened and operated by the Ohio River Railroad in lbSKJ.
So it will be seen that the latter has a line from Wheeling to
Kenova, a distance of two hundred and twenty-four miles as a
Main Stem, besides several branches in operation. This line
Las two branches that act as feeders from the counties of Roane
•and Jackson. One runs from Ravenswood on the Main Line to
Spencer in Roane County, a distance of some thirty miles. The
other branch runs from Ripley Landing on the Ohio River to
Jackson C. H., a distance of some fifteen miles or more. It is
therefore seen that this system is of very important bearing on
a portion of Central West Virginia. It gives the Counties of
Wood, Jackson, Mason, Wirt and Roane transportation facili-
ties, to say nothing of the section of West Virginia it penetrates
north and south of the region of which we are writing.

Considering the fact that this is virtually a home industry,
and under control of home people, the success of the line, as a
railroad to convey people and freight, as well as its financial
aspect, is something phenomenal. Two reasons may be assigned
for this state of affairs. In the first place, the resources along
the line are very rich in every way. For two hundred miles it
traverses the great valley of the Ohio River, that is rich and
succulent in the productions of the soil, and live stock of every
description. It runs through the rich oil-belt of West Virginia
in the northern part of the State, and taps the great Pittsburg
coal seams in upper West Virginia, and Mason County south.
The continual supply of resources from these natural means has
given the line a wonderful traffic as a local route. Again : the
management of the finances of the system from the beginning of
the operation of the road has been so ably administered that it
has not only. escaped the hands of a receiver, but become a
paying institution in every sense. (1) The most rigid economy
has been practiced, and the operations confined to a basis for
revenue alone. The scope of country from which the line has
drawn its traffic extends far from the limits of the road. It is
the most direct route between Pennsylvania, and the country

(1) The financial policy of this line under the management of Mr. George
W. Thompson, i'.s President, is a by-word for economy and revenue. However
much he may have been criticised as adopting a policy savoring too much of
"false-economy" he has made the line, not only a self-sustaining, but a paying
institut:on. The physical condition is well preserved, and equipment amply
•sufficient. From extracts taken from the Ninth Annual Report of the Presi-

70

Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or.

bordering the C. and O., and N. and W. It connects at Wheel-
ing with the Pennsylvania Railroad and B. and O. At Parkers-
burg with the B. and O. and B. and O. S. W. It crosses the T.
and O. C. at Point Pleasant, and connects at Huntington with
all lines running east and west. With these connections it can
be readily seen that the line has an important bearing on the
country of which we are writing.

The present management, and condition of this system,
while not complete, owing to the fact it is not a trunk line, is
highly satisfactory. Both freight, and passenger traffic is in
such quantity as to render the road able not only to meet all
fixed charges, but to have a surplus as well. And the fact
that it is a local road does not detract from its carrying a great
deal of freight originating over other lines. (2) The interchange
of commodities between the sections of country connected by

dent to the stockholders, some idea can be gained of the present condition of
the line. For the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1892, the earnings, after
paying interest on bonds, and all fixed charges, left a considerable surplus to
the credit of the company. During the great financial stringency, when other
lines were suffering from a decreased revenue, this road maintained its own,
giving a wonderful reputation for financial stability. Comparing its physical
condition with that of other lines, it does not suffer by the comparison, but is
on a par with the average. The following extract from page 9 of the Ninth
Annual Report gives an idea of the gross earnings, expenditures, and net
profit:

Gross Earnings $795,135 74

Less Operating Expenses 452.79103

Net Earnings

Deduct—

Interest on Bonds

Taxes

Rent of Benwood Extension

Interest on Car Trust Obligations.,

Discount and Interest

Adjustment Sundry Accounts

Total.

Net Income for the Year

Balance, to Credit of Income Account.
Surplus on December 31, 1891

Net Surplus December 31, 1892.

$228,705 83

25,941 86

7,143 07

6,018 40

1,697 22

211 74

72,626 59
161,431 04

42.344 71

59,718 12'
72,626 59

$235,057 63

(2i From the same report, on page 22, it can be seen that the number of
tons of freight carried is a fine showing for a system of its size :

"weight in tons. Tons.

Originating on this road 319,019.

Received from connecting lines 190,132.

Total 509,151."

This freight consists of minerals, manufactured goods, agricultural pro-
ducts, and live stock, as well as general merchandise.

Resources of Central West Yiryinii

71

this line, is one of the prime causes of the receipts from connect-
ing lines. In addition, it carries a large amount of freight from
the section of West Virginia already reverted to. The equip-
ment is ample for the traffic, and the service for passengers good.
Owing to local travel the stops are frequent, yet a schedule of
time is maintained that averages well with any of the other sys-
tems in the South. The line has done much for the country it
penetrates in the way of development, and been the means of
establishing numerous manufacturing industries along its line,
and building up many towns. As has been shown, its financial
policy speaks well for its management in that sense. (3)

The future of this line is something to be considered if pru-
dence is combined with a liberal, broad-spirited policy in dealing
with it. From its connecting links, and geographical position,
it must be sooner or later a part of some trunk system. It has
been advocated, and we think not improbably so, that this route
may at no distant date become a southern outlet for the Penn-
sylvania System, that only needs a southern terminus to render
it capable of running its trains, north, south, east, and west.

(3) A careful glance at the statement given here, of the earnings and expert
ses of the years 18H1-92, gives a good view of its financial condition. From th<
"Ninth Annual Report" we have the following:

"Earnings and Expenses for the Years 1892 and 1891.

the

EARNINGS.

From Passengers

" Freight

" Mail

" Express

" Telegraph

" Miscellaneous

" Car Mileage

1892

Total Earnings.

EXPENSES.

Maintenance of Way and Structures..

Maintenance of Equipment

Conducting Transportation

General Expenses

Total Operating Expenses.
Net Earnings

,106 92
,524 01
,400 71
,414 20
,380 60
,361 31
,947 99

$795,135 74

$117,839 76

85,413 80

215,314 35

34,223 12

$452,791 03

$342,344 71

1891

DIFFERENCES.

$291,685 55
355,384 87
22,783 79
6,549 21
3,023 84
8,081 06
19,457 73

$40,421 37
52,139 14
616 92
864 99
1,356 76
3,720 a5
3,507 74

Inc.
Inc.
Inc.
Inc.
Inc.
Dec.
Dec.

$706,966 65

$127,252 47
67,228 61
187,776 35
29,993 34

$412,250 77

$294,715

$88,169 09 Inc.

$ 9,412 71 Dec.

18,185 19 Inc.

27,538 00 Inc.

4,229 78 Inc.

$40,540 26 Inc.
847,628 83 Inc.

Taxes.,

Per cent, of Operating Expenses to Earn-
ings

Per cent, of Operating Expenses and
Taxes to Earnings...

25.941 86

56.95

60.21

25,799 40

58.31
61.96

$ 162 46 Inc.

1.36
1.75

Dec.
Dec

72 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAPTER VII.

The West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. — Its Earlier His-
tory.— The Weston and West Fork Railroad. — Early Incor-
porators.— Clarksburg, Weston and Glenville Railroad. — Hon.
J. N. Camden. — Lease of the Weston and West Fork Railroad,
by the Clarksburg, Western, and Glenville Railroad, and
Transportation Company. — The Narrow Gauge Railroad. —
.Doctor A. H. Kunst. — Buckhaunon and West Fork Railroad.
Weston end Cenlreville Railroad.— Weston and Elk ; River
Railroad. — Consolidation. — Baekhannon River Railroad. —
Farther Merger of all Lines into the West Virginia and
Pittsburg Railroad. — Construction of the Broad Gauge. —
Extension of Line to Pickens, and <'amden-on-Gauley. —
Number of Miles of Road. — Country Penetrated. — Prist at
Management and Condition of the System. — Its Geographical
Future.

In the section of country we are describing, the West Vir-
ginia and Pittsburg Railroad has played such an important
part, that it deserves a minute account. Anything concerning
it, is of peculiar interest to the people, from the fact it is a
home enterprise, and managed, and directed by home people.
The change effected in the country by the construction of this
line is so marked that it cannot be properly appreciated, unless
the region had been examined before it was built, and looked
over subsequently.

On the 2d day of January, 1875, the citizens of Lewis County
feeling the necessity for railroad transportation, determined to
inaugurate a plan by which a line could be constructed giving
their country an outlet. Too much credit cannot be yielded
those people who first started the enterprise, by incorporating
what was then known as the Weston and West Fork Railroad,
to run from Clarksburg, in Harrison County, to Weston, in

Resources of Central West Virginia. 73

'Lewis County. (1) This corporation commenced the construc-
tion of a Narrow Gauge Line, that was completed by a subse-
quent concern. On May the 17th, 1878, the Clarksburg, "Weston
and Grlenville Railroad and Transportation Company was incor-
porated, which company leased the Weston and "West Fork
Railroad that ran from Clarksburg to Weston. On the 28th day
of September, 1878, the Hon. Johnson N. Camden, now one of
the Senators from West Virginia, became interested in this line.
Having in view then, the construction of a road from Clarksburg
to Fairinount, along the line of the Monongahela River, to con-
nect with the Baltimore and Ohio, leading direct to Pittsburg,
he turned his attention towards the narrow gauge system. On
the 14th day of December, 1878, he was elected President of the
Narrow Gaug'e Road, and the construction begun by the Weston
and West Pork Railroad was completed in 1881, from Clarksburg
to Weston. Through his control of capital, and untiring energy
other steps were taken to open up and develop this section. (2)

(1) The early incorporators of this road were as follows: W.G.Bennett.
Henry Brannon, George Ross, L. H. Wood, Thomas A. Edwards, Er. Ralston,
A. A. Lewis, W. H. Aspinwall, F. M. Chalfanlt. The reader will recognize
some prominent names in connection with these men. W. G.- Bennett, of
whom we have already spoken, is a son of the late J. M. Bennett, once Auditor
of the State of Virginia. W. G. Bennett was elected Judge of the Eleventh
Judicial District of this State, including Braxton, Lewis, Nicholas, Upsnur and
Webster Counties. He has won an enviable reputation as a tine judge of law,
and a gentleman of scholarly attainments, as well as integrity.

Mr, Henry Brannon, a native of Winchester, Virginia, came to this State
prior to the Civil War. In 1860 he engaged in the practice of law, and subse-
quently was elected to the House of Delegates in 1870-71. From 1881 to 1889, he
held the position of Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District, In 1888 he was
elected to the Supreme Bench of West Virginia, which position he now holds.

The late Dr. Thomas Edwards, and Mr. A. A. Lewis, now a resident of
Weston, with Judges Bennett and Brannon, were among the first to make an
effort to open the section, that has subsequently proven so rich in timber and
mineral resources.

(2) Johnson N. Camden, the prime factor in the development of this section
of West Virginia, is justly esteemed one of West Virginia's greatest sons. He
was born in 1828, in Lewis Count}', West Virginia, spending his childhood
among the native mountains of his State. In 1840, he was appointed a cadet to
West Point, from which position he resigned in 1848. In 1851, he was admitted
to the bar and appointed Prosecuting Attorney for Braxton County in the
same year. In 1853, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Nicholas County,
and was engaged in the banking business from 1854 to 1858, when he became
interested in the development of the petroleum interests of his State. His
.success in this line was not lesfe marked than the benefit conferred on the
■country in which he lived. In 1862, he was made President of the First
National Bank of Parkersburg, and the year succeeding found him first

74 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,.

On the 6th day of April, 1882, the Buckhannon and West
Fork Railroad was incorporated, to run from Weston, in Lewis-
County, to Buckhannon, in Upshur County. In May, 1882, the-
Weston and Centreville Railroad was formed, and leased the
former, the name of both being changed to that of the Weston
and Buckhannon Railroad, and a narrow gauge road was con-
structed between Weston and Buckhannon, that was opened
for traffic in 1883. Dr. A. H. Kunst, who was elected President
of the Clarksburg, Weston and Glenville Railroad, was made
Superintendent of the Weston and Buckhannon Railroad, whicb
respective positions he held until the year 1888, when he was
elected President of the last named.

The array of obstacles that met this narrow gauge system of
forty miles would have seemed insurmountable to an outsider.
The management of this line was the cradle in which Dr. Kunst
was rocked, when first learning railway experience. It gave him
a minute knowledge of railroad matters, that has served him
well in later days, when the line has become a large system.
He, after a while, began nursing the road. By the practice of
strict economy, he made it pay, occupying every post in turn,
from that of freight agent and dispatcher, to that of President.
For seven or eight years, the little line plodded along, paying
its own expenses, and earning all the funds possible. Every

launched into politics, in which he achieved such success subsequently. In
1868 and in 1872, he was the Democratic nominee for Governor of West Virginia
In 1868, '72 and '76, he was the nominee from West Virginia to the National
Democratic Conventions, and was elected a United States Senator, taking his
seat March 4th, 1881. In this capacity he served until March 3d, 1887. In
January, 1893, he was elected to fill the vacancy created by the death of the
Hon. John E. Kenna. He took his seat on January 28th, 1893, and his present
term will expire March 3rd, 1895.

While Senator Camden has served the people of West Virginia well as a
legislator, and they have conferred the highest politicr.l honors upon him, it is
in another field that he has done, perhaps, more for his fellow creatures. We
allude to the development of his state in a material way. With almost pro-
phetic foresight, he recognized years ago the many resources of his state, and
by a judicious use of his capital, began the development of them, as we have
related. He brought in foreign capital, and energy also, all of which have
been expended here at home, showing West Virginia's great wealth, as well as
giving her sons and daughters employment in many honorable ways. The logi-
cal results of such conduct, without the aid or word of man, has crowned him
with by far the best earned of all laurels, — the wreath belonging to the brow
of the public benefactor, before which all of his political and worldly honors-
sink into nothingness. Living at Parkersburg, in the section with which he is
so closely identified, he is surrounded by not only the esteem and respect of
his fellow-men, but by what is far better— their love and affection.

Resources' of Central West Virginia. 75

•expedient was used for the increase of traffic. When excursions
were the order of the day, flats and box cars were brought into
requisition, in which temporary seats were made, and a happy
crowd transported from Clarksburg to Weston, or to other
points. In 1839, the earnings of the line increased, until the
time arrived when the narrow gauge system was to be changed
into a broad gauge railroad. (3)

Some time before the events transpired of which we are writ-
ing at present, Senator Camden had purchased large mineral
rights along the east bank of the Monongahela River, and to
bring out the coal from this Pittsburg seam, and to get a direct
connection at Fairmount with the Baltimore and Ohio for Pitts-
burg, constructed the Monongahela River Railroad running
from Clarksburg to Fairmount. The construction of this line
bore heavily upon the future of the West Virginia and Pitts-
burg, for the Senator, in speaking of the matter, wrote as fol-
lows :

"The building- of that line was a considerable factor and inducement in the
standard gauging of the West Virginia and Pittsburg system."

At all events, the year 1889, brought a new era to the West
Virginia and Pittsburg. On the 10th day of April, 1889, the
Western and West Fork Railroad, and the Clarksburg, Weston,
and Glenville Railroad, were merged into the Clarksburg, Wes-

(3) Doctor A. H. Kunst, formerly President of this narrow gauge line, and
now Vice-President of the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, is so inter-
woven with the development of this section, that he becomes a part and parcel
of. its history. It is gratifying to know, that Dr. Kunst, while he has exhib-
ithed marked executive, as well as administrative talent, in the management
of railway matters, is a gentleman of unusual culture. The latter is probably
inherited. He is a native of Taylor County, West Virginia. His father was G.
H. A. Kunst, a son of a first lieutenant in a volunteer company against Napo-
leon the Great. His mother was a daughter of a prominent citizen, who was
banished from Alsace-Lorraine in France, on account of Huguenot troubles.
Mr. G. H. A. Kunst was first in America, as the representative of a large
Bremen house, locating first at Baltimore, Md., afterwards going to Peters-
burg, Va., where he engaged in the mercantile business. Subsequently, he
removed to West Virginia. Doctor Kunst was a graduate of Starling Medi-
cal College in Columbus, Ohio. In May, 1868, he was elected Assistant Superin-
tendent of the Asylum for the Insane at Weston, which post he occupied until
1881, when he resigned to practice his profession, but was afterwards elected
President of the C. W. and G. Railroad. While at the asylum, doubtless,
he laid the foundation for the address delivered by him, entitled: "Freaks of
the Brain." This was afterwards published, and gives conclusive evidence of
Dr. Kunst's broad cultivation, as well as talent for writing. It seems a pity
that such literary ability should not have a broader and more congenial field
in which to expand than in a railway office.

Resources of Central. Wext Vtr</tni'a: 17

ton, and Midland Railroad. The new company allowed the
stockholders five per cent, of the stock held in the former com-
panies. On July 3rd, 1889, the Weston and Elk River Railroad
was consolidated with the Clarksburg,. Weston, and Midland
Railroad on same terms as the former consolidation. Following
this merger, the Buckhannon River Railroad was incorporated
on the 20th day of July, 1889. (4) During the following Septem-
ber, the Buckhannon and West Fork, and the Weston and Cen-
tre ville were merged into the Clarksburg, Weston, and Midland.
On February 6th, 1890, the latter absorbed the Buckhannon
River Railroad, and a reorganization took place under a new
name : The West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, now held its
stand among the systems of the South, and was changed to a
standard gauge railroad, with the Hon. J. N. Camden as Presi-
dent, and Dr. A. H. Kunst, of "narrow-gauge" fame, as Vice-
President, and General Manager.

The West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad connects at
Clarksburg with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the Mo-
nongahela River R. R. Leaving Clarksburg, it runs southward
through Harrison and Lewis Counties to Weston, a distance of
twenty-five miles and four-tenths. At this point the line
branches somewhat southeast and southwest. The former runs
by Buckhannon, through Upshur County to Pickens in Randolph
County, a distance of forty-nine miles and some tenths. The
Southwest Branch runs from Weston, through Lewis, Braxton,
and Webster Counties to Camden-on-Oauley, a distance of
seventy-five and six-tenths miles, making a total mileage of one
hundred and fifty-six and four-tenths, not including sidings. A

(4) Among- the incorporators of these latter roads were some prominent
gentlemen who have been identified closely with the development of this sec-
tion. We refer to Judge John Brannon, of Weston, and Mr. M. W. Harrison,
the present accomplished Treasurer of the West Virginia and Pittsburg Rail-
road; Judge John Brannon, a native of Frederick County, Va., who came to
West Virginia in 1847, and began the practice of law. He was a member of the
Virginia House of Delgates from 1853 to 1856, and was in the Senate of Virginia
to the end of the war. He was Judge of the Circuit Court from 1873 to 1881
and in every capacity has proven both his ability and integrity. He now occupies
the position of General Counsel for the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad.

Mr. M. W. Harrison, who is now identified with the road, has been one of its
warmest supporters, and co-adjutors from the beginning. He is a descendant
of the Virginia Harrisons, a family as old and refined as the State itself, and
he has been largely instrumental in the development of this section. He resides
at Weston, West Virginia, and is devoting his time and means to the interests
of his native State— West Virginia.

78

Heritage of the Trans-AUeghany Pioneers, or,

branch runs from Flatwoods to Sutton, the county seat of Brax-
ton, a distance of six miles. These lines penetrate a country
that has two admirable advantages. It is rich in resources, and
is comparatively unopened. Beginning at Clarksburg, the line

Jefferson Rock.

Resources of Centrxl West Virginia. 79

to Weston traverses the fertile valleys of Harrison and Lewis,
with the rich coal fields of the Mount Clare section that are a
continuation of the rich Pittsburg seam. The fine building stones
of Lewis County are penetrated, as well as its fire-clays, and iron,
south of Weston. Leaving Weston, the fertile hills and lowlands
bordering Stone Creek, and the Buckhannon River lie along the
line, until ascending the river the rich timber section of
Pickens, with its additional wealth of coal, fire-clays, brick-clays,
glass-sands and slates. The forests in this region are magnifi-
cent, and yet in their original state. From Weston to Camden-

Scene along the West Virginia and Pittsburg R

80 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers or,

on-Grauley, the line opens up the valley of the West Fork
through Lewis, with its hills permeated with iron, running
southwards toward Flatwoods across the Little Kanawha River
and its valley, until Sutton, the county seat of Braxton conies in
view. The extension from Flatwoods through Braxton into
Webster, where lies Camden-on-Grauley, goes along the wild and
romantic banks of the Elk, into probably the finest timbered
region in the South. The section has also valuable deposits of^
minerals, in the way of coal, clays, iron and building stones of
rare value. Such is a faint portrayal of the section of country
tributary to the West Virginia, and Pittsburg Railroad, along
its present extensions. The second advantage derived by the
system from the region it runs through is the fact it is new and
as yet unopened. Millions of feet of timber will have to yield
its tribute to this line, in being conveyed to the various marts
of man ; thousands of tons of building stone will sooner or later
come into requisition for constructing material, which in this
section is largely increasing in demand. The clays, iron and
sandstones, so useful in every way must be carried out over
these lines, giving additional freight. All of these resources
wait in their native state for the magic stroke of capital that is
gradually flowing in under the inexorable law of demand and
supply. Already, numerous manufactories and lumber plants
have sprung up, giving the line all the freight its present outfit
can carry. (5) The output of minerals already give an idea of
what is coming for the future in this respect. And so, too, with
the timbered resources. (6)

(5) Although this line is but in its infancy, it has a fine showing for the
country when examined with reference to its freight hauled. The following
gives an idea of the section as a grazing country :

Live stock carried for the year ending June 30, 1893 :

Horses and Mules 4,754

Cattle 69,294

Hogs 2,320

Sheep 33,511

(6) The following gives some idea of the timber and minerals hauled out:

Minerals and forest products hauled for year ending June 30, 1893.

Minerals. No. lbs.

liiiuminous Coal 407,100 •

Coke 366

Rock, Sand and Clay '. 10,640

Forest Products.

Lumber and Timber 2,193,673

Staves, Shooks, Headings, Hoop Poles 81,620

Bark 27,711

Wood and Posts 2,982

Resources of Central West Virginia. 81

After a careful review, the condition of this line reflects won-
derful credit upon the officials managing it. This can be readily
seen from a glance at its financial, as well as physical state.
With a bonded debt of $4,000,000, the line has not only paid all
expenses of construction and operation, but interest on its
bonds. This state of affairs is so unusual, that it necessarily
attracts the attention of the stranger, and the admiration of
the financier. The passenger, as well as freight traffic, is care-
fully nursed and handled, while t?very expense is closely scruti-
nized by the astute, but pleasant, General Manager. (7) A
careful review of the operating expenses, as compared with
those of other systems, shows them very small — in fact, so low,
that we wonder how the line can maintain its present physical
condition. The steady increase of the earnings for the year
ending June 30, 1893, is largely in excess of those for year ending
June 30, 1892. This shows not only the rigid economy practiced,
but increase of traffic in passengers and freight. In the year
1891-92, the earnings were $287,701.02. For the fiscal year end-
ing June 30, 1893, they were $402,717.11 Increase— $114,955.49.
The percentage of cost for operating expenses is only 46.8 per
cent, of the gross earnings, and a greater part of this was
expended in betterment of the property. The showing in every
phase is so remarkable for a line as young as this, that we have

(7) The following statement of the Annual Report of the Road for the fiscaj
year ending June 30th, 1893, gives the number of miles operated, and net
earnings :

Miles Operated.

Total miles operated up to September 18, 1892 109 76

New line added September 18, 1892, Newlon to Pickens, 9 28

" " October 17, 1892, Flatwoods toCamden-on-Gauley, 40 34

Total miles operated June 30, 1893 159 38

Average mileage operated during this year 145 52

Total mileage operated during the preceding fiscal year, 109 76

The operations for this fiscal year were on 109.76 miles up to September 18
1892, when the line between Newlon and Pickens of 9.28 miles was added and
opened to traffic. On the 17th of October, 1892, the new extension between Flat-
woods and Camden-on-Gauley of 40.34 miles was also opened to traffic, making
the total mileage operated from that date 159.38, of which .4 of a mile between
West Virginia and P. Junction and Monongahela Junction was under mileage
arrangements with the M. R. R. R. Co., and 1 mile between Monongahela Junc-
tion and B. & O. Clarksburg depot was under mileage agreement with the B. &
•O. R. R. Co.

Gross earnings $402,717 11

Operating expenses, 188,532 20

Net earnings, $214,184 91

82 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

dwelt with some particularity on the subject. The road has
been criticized by some persons on account of its rigid saving,,
and been accused of practicing false economy, but a careful
examination of its service, equipment and physical condition,
shows to the contrary. All of these bear the closest scrutiny.
Of course the road needs, and will have, as its traffic increases,
a larger amount of engines, cars and other rolling stock. But
was there ever a railroad that was doing a good business that
did not need more rolling stock ? That of this line, while taxed
to its full capacity, does the work. The service is polite, good,
and efficient, haviner among its employees men of more than
average ability than is usually seen in this walk of life. The
physical state of the line is unusually good — in fact, is the best
of any railroad in this State, probably with the exception of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Line. Most of the track is ballasted well
— a part with stone, and carries a train over its rails smoothly
and nicely. At the regular stations, good buildings may be
seen, with comfortable service. When we then see with what
economy the system is managed, and yet observe the fine road-
bed and physical condition, we dare not withhold our admira-
tion at its management. Justice demands it.

This line has a future in railway history for itself. It is a
future not laid out on paper, nor yet in the minds of capitalists.
The future arises from its geographical position. Doubtless
Senator Camden held this idea in view, when after construction
of the Monongahela River Railroad, he determined to make the
West Virginia and Pittsburg a broad gauge line. It is the con-
necting link of the Pittsburg region of Pennsylvania with the
South, and the most direct route by over two hundred miles
when the line is extended to the Chesapeake and Ohio at Cov-
ington, Virginia. Time, that precious commodity that moves
the world, will have its way, and for the saving of itself, presses
humanity into taking the shortest and quickest geographical
routes and locations. The vast mineral resources of the South
are putting her rapidly in touch with Northern, Eastern and
Western capital. The latter will seek the shortest possible
route, and from the manufacturing regions of Pennsylvania to
the raw material in West Virginia, and Virginia, the West Vir-
ginia and Pittsburg, with the Monongahela and Baltimore and
Ohio, hold the geographical key that unlocks the shortest,
quickest, and most direct route in the future.

Resource* of Central West Virginia. 83

CHAPTER VIII.

The Monongdhela River Railroad — Its Route and Distance. —
Cause of its Construction. — The Vast Mineral Field it Pene-
trates.— Its Bearing on this Section. — Effects of its Construc-
tion upon the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. — Its
Future Part in this State. — Management of the Line. — H. Q.
Howies. — Its Service and Equipment. — Traffic Receipts in
Coal.
Through the mountains and charming valleys of Lewis
County, on through the succulent farming lands of Harrison,
into Marion County flows the West Fork River. Just beyond
Fairmount the muddier waters of this stream mingle with the
brighter ones of Tygart's Valley River, forming one of the
prettiest water-courses in West Virginia, known as the Monon-
gahela River. From this stream the railroad we shall now
describe, takes its name. It extends from Clarksburg, Harrison
County, to Fairmount, in Marion County, winding along the
banks of the West Fork River, amidst the most picturesque,
and varied scenery in this section of the State. The lovely hills
of Harrison and Marion Counties line each side of the stream,
that cuts its tortuous way through almost solid banks of coal,
iron ore and fire-clays. The route is commonly known as the
"Monongah Route," and plays a most important part on this
section of the State, although it is but thirty miles in length.

The original cause of the construction of this line was the
immense deposits of coal along the region tributary to the road.
But its construction resulted in matters equally as great as
hauling out coal for the immense coal works along its line. It
was destined to change the West Virginia and Pittsbm-g Rail-
road from a narrow to a broad gauge, and become as well, a
connecting link in the system now running southward from
Pittsburg, through Central West Virginia. The mineral field
penetrated by this line is beyond a doubt one of the richest in
the way of coal in Central West Virginia. It is lined through-
out with the celebrated ''Pittsburg Seam," that crops out on
both sides of the road and West Fork River, from Fairmount to

84 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Clarksburg. The line runs through Fairmount, Monongah,.
Jackson, Camden, and. Clarksburg fields, all of which possess-
the original seam mentioned above, that ranges from eight to
eleven feet in thickness of solid bituminous coal, a good material
for coking, steaming, and domestic purposes. The construction
of the line was finished in 1888, and the road opened for traffic
in 1889. The logical result was, numerous coal mines were
opened, and at present, several good towns have sprung up, the
result of the construction of this line. (1) The shipment of coal
and coke is large, and Monongah product has found its way
not only into the Eastern markets, but as far west as the bust-
ling city of Chicago, the distributing point of the products of
the Union. In addition to the coal, the section has iron, clays,
and stone, which as yet have not been developed fully. As
already stated, the iron ore in this region was used by the old
"Jackson Furnace,'' that made a superior grade of iron that was
boated down streams to Pittsburg. The minerals of this whole
territory are as yet but partially opened, and will afford a hand-
some traffic in the future for the Monongahela River Railroad,
as they have done in the past. In fact, upon the west bank of
the river near Lumberport, the immense coal fields have never
been touched, and so with those on the east at the same point,
that are now owned by Senator Camden.

The bearing of this line upon the section is great for more
reasons than one. In the first place, the Monongahela Railroad
brings out vast quantities of coal, a large part of which goes
east and west. South of the Mount Clare Mines, in Harrison
County, no coal mines of magnitude have as yet been developed.
So the Monongah Field, through the Monongahela River Rail-
road, furnishes coal along the line of the West Virginia and P.
Railroad in Lewis, Upshur, Braxton, and Webster Counties. In

(1) One of the largest coal works in Central West Virginia is located on this
line. We refer to the Monongah Coal and Coke Company, a few miles south of
Fairmount. This company, owned principally by Senator Camden, owns the
coal territory running north and south for many miles, and has probably the
largest output of coal of any other mine in that section. The seam is the
regular Pittsburg layer, ranging from nine to eleven feet in thickness of solid,
bituminous coal. This field yields a product that is admirable for coking
domestic, steaming and gaseous purposes, having been fully tested in every
respect.

In addition to this large mine, the line is fairly bristling with works of a
lesser nature, all of which do a good business, giving the Monongahela River
Railroad a splendid traffic.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 85

addition to this traffic feature, the line opened a passenger traffic
that is not a surprise Avhen we consider the location of the line.
Passengers in this section who had to visit Wheeling were accus-
tomed to going via the Baltimore and Ohio, to either Parkers-
burg or Grafton. Going either of those ways made a considera-
ble elbow. The construction of the "Monongah Line" from
Clarksburg to Fairmount gave a direct route for Wheeling,
saving both time and distance, the economizing of which invar-
iably means a saving of money. And now, since the Baltimore
and Ohio has finished its line from Morgantown, West Virginia,
to Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the Monongahela River Railroad
becomes a shorter link in the chain of transportation facilities,
that connects the raw material of Central West Virginia with
the manufacturing world at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. It plays
a most material part in the railway systems of the State of West
Virginia. When this line was constructed, and the Baltimore
and Ohio line from Morgantown to Uniontown made a certainty,
Senator Camden looked down the vista of the future with his
prophetic eye, and saw the prospective iron link between the
Pittsburg regions and the southern part of Central West Vir-
ginia. At that time Dr. A. H. Kunst was cradling the little nar-
row gauge line of the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad.
Suddenly, the latter was changed to a standard gauge, and ex-
tended on through Braxton and Webster Counties. The three
have now become the Main Line from Pittsburg, south. The
gap filled up by the Monongahela River Railroad was a most
important one, as can be readily seen at a moment's glance.
And in the future it will become a part of the great trunk line
that is being gradually constructed to make a direct mode of
travel from north to south, by way of Morgantown, Fairmount,
Weston, Flatwoods, Camden-on-Gauley, West Virginia, and
Covington, Virginia. The construction of most of the line is
finished, and on completion of a small gap between Camden-on-
Gauley, West Virginia, and Covington, Virginia, the vast coal
and iron fields of Central West Virginia will have the gates of
Pittsburg opened to receive their raw material.

The management of this line is a careful and prudent one,
under the superintendency of Mr. H. G. Bowles, the General
Manager. (2) From its incipiency as a public carrier it has been

(2) Mr. Bowies' policy is one of unusual conservatism. Though his line is a
short one, he has inducted the same care and prudence in his mode of operation
that characterizes the greater systems: The discipline he uses is unusually

86 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

made to pay handsomely. Some have maintained that the rich
mineral field through which it ran was the chief cause. That
the material for traffic is necessary to make a road pay is true,
but equally true is it that the line under the best conditions has
to be properly managed to render it a paying institution. And
in this way has the Monongahela been handled by its efficieut
corps under Mr. H. G. Bowles. The gross receipts are good,
while the fixed charges and operating expenses show an econom-
ical mode of fiscal dealing in the conducting of the line. (3) The
service of the road is excellent, and double daily passenger trains
are run between Clarksburg and Fairmount. The equipment,
for a short line, is unusually good, being equally as fine as that
of many of the larger systems. The line has become a popular
route towards the north, having superseded the old ways, and
relegated the elbow routes by Parkersburg and Grafton, com-
pletely in the back ground. The amount of traffic carried by
this line is wonderfully great when its shortness is considered,
and as a part of the lines that connect the North and South, the
Monongahela River Railroad recommends itself most cordially
every way to the traveling public. It is a route that in the
future holds a great deal of prominence for the reasons named.

good— more so than the general run of the rest of the systems, and a careful
insight into his modus operandi, shows us that he possesses unusual capacity for
cutting close. No man is more eager than he to increase the traffic of his line,
and the results of such management are such as entitle him to be proud.

(3) From the last Annual Report of this company, the traffic sheet is one
that reflects a great deal of credit on the system. The fact that this line
traverses such a wonderfully rich region, and has now become a part of the
through system from Pittsburg, south, gives a signal note to the future of the
line. The policy of the Monongahela is to increase its traffic in every way, and
the idea of the road's being run in in the interest of any one corporation along
its line, as is entertained by some, is erroneous. The following is a written
statement from Senator Camden, the President, on that subject in answer to
inquiries from us:

'■Referring to our conversation, and your inquiries in relation to the devel-
opment of the coal fields on the west side of the West Fork of the Monongahela
River in the neighborhood of Lumberport, I will state, that it is the policy and
intention of the Monongahela River Road to bridge the river, and make con-
nections with the coal lands on the west side, whenever those lands are ready
to be operated, and assurances can be given of sufficient business to justify the
expense. This will not only be done at Lumberport, but at other I'oints aloner
the rit er between Clarksburg and Fairmount. The terms of the contract
between the Baltimore and Ohio and Mononaahela River Roads will make it
improbable, if not impossible, to build and maintain any other road along the
valley of the river in competition with the Monongahela River Road, and it is
the interest and policy of the stockholders of that road to do what is necessary
not only to develop that coal region, but to take care of the business which it'
expects to do as rapidly as the occasion arises."

HON. HENRY G. DAVIS,

of West Virginia.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 89

CHAPTER IX.

West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad. — Territory
Traversed by the Same. — Inception of the Road, and Cause
of its Construction. — Ex-Senator Henry O. Davis. — Extension
and Growth of the System. — Hon. S. B. Elkins. — Develop-
ment Inaugurated along its Line. — Present Status. — Manage-
ment, Service, and Equipment of the System. — Its Financial
State. — Its Probable Future.

The wonderful development of the eastern portion of Central
West Virginia, bordering the Alleghany range of mountains, is
due principally to the construction of the West Virginia Central
and Pittsburg Railroad. The conception of the plan of girding
the Alleghany Mountains was bold ; its completion a master-
piece of successful energy. This line at present runs from
Cumberland, Maryland, to Belington, in Barbour County, and
Beverly, in Randolph, running via Keyser, Piedmont, Davis,
Hendricks, and Elkins, all of which have been brought into
life through the building and construction of this line. From
Cumberland to Elkins (the Main Line) is a distance of one hun-
dred and thirteen miles, while at Davis, Hendricks, Elkins, and
other points are branches ranging from three to thirty miles in
length. All these lines penetrate the eastern section of Central
West Virginia, draining the counties of Mineral, Grant, Tucker,
and Randolph of their immense timber and mineral resources.
This line, and the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad are
peculiarly near to the hearts of West Virginians, and are com-
monly known as the "Davis and Camden" roads. Conceived,
constructed, and now operated by home people, gives them
peculiar interest to West Virginia, and everything connected
with either is watched with the greatest pride, and an interest
almost akin to that of direct ownership.

The origin and conception of the West Virginia Central and
Pittsburg Railroad, is so closely entwined around the career of
Ex-Senator H. G. Davis of West Virginia, that an account of
one is almost inseparable from the other. (1) Mr. Davis early
became acquainted with the resources of the country tributary
to his line, and believing they would enrich those who assisted
in bringing them out, succeeded in obtaining the interest of

iK) Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

prominent men in his proposed plan while a member of the
Senate. Inch by inch — foot by foot — inile by mile, — was this
line constructed southward from Piedmont, until the impassi-
ble defiles, immense ridges of the Alleghany Mountains were
girded with a steel band, that has been of such infinite service
to the State, as well as the country tributary to its line, The
subsequent extension and growth of the system was due to the
united efforts of Hon. H. G. Davis and S. B. Elkins, lately
Secretary of War under President Harrison's Administration. (2)
It has become, through constructed and projected lines, an
important factor in the railway systems of the South. And its
full completion and construction, so far, has been done under
the personal supervision of Ex-Senator Davis, the President,
resulting in its having been built at the least possible cost.

(1) Connected with the industrial development of Central West Virginia in
the east, Hon. II. G. Davis stands out in bold relief. Born in Maryland, in the
year 1833, he was bred in the country. Early in life he became connected with
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and by energy and pluck, rose fast in the
ranks of that system. This accounts for his practical knowledge concerning
radway matters. After his connection with the Baltimore and Ohio, he became
engaged in business in West Virginia, where his business capacity was exer-
cised with the same sense and judgment that has characterised it since his
entry upon the uncertain sea of railway life. In all probability, it was during
his business career in West Virginia, that he gained the intimate knowledge
he possesses about the resources of the State,— that proved of such wonderful
power to him later on. The conception and construction of the West Virginia
Central and Pittsburg, across the Alleghany Mountains, is a monument of
testamentary evidence of his foresight, energy, and indomitable pluck. In
addition to the material wealth and development that has come to Central
West Virginia through his efforts, he has been a central figure in the political
•councils of the State. He was elected to the Legislature of West Virginia, in
which state of political life he was prominent. Subsequently, he was elected
to the Senate of the United States, where he made an enviable record. It was
while he served in this latter capacity, that he succeeded in interesting peo-
ple of 'means in the construction of the West Virginia Central. In the vale of
life, he is respected by all for his worth, and loved by many for his kindness
•of heart.

(2) Hon. Steven B. Elkins, who of late years has occupied a conspicuous
place in the industrial, as well as political, world of West Virginia, is a native
of Missouri. For quite a length of time, he was largely interested in financial
ventures in the West, as well as in New Mexico, where success crowned his
efforts. Subsequently, he became acquainted with Ex. Senator H. G. Davis,
through whose counsel and advice he invested largely in West Virginia's
wealth. The combination has proven not only a successful one to the parties
concerned, but a most advantageous one for the section of West Virginia in
which they are operating. The whole region has been benefited. Mr
Elkins has 'filled several important political positions, and under President
Harrison's Administration, before Cleveland's election, was a member of
the Cabinet, holding the position of Secretary of War. He is a gentleman of
.ability and marked generosity.

Resources of Central West Virginia*

911

The development that has resulted from the building of this
line through the eastern part of Central West Virginia, has been
something wonderful. In the first place, the natural wealth in
the way of coal is immense, the counties through which the line
passes possessing the best seams in the carboniferous period of

1 O

o
t3f-

a

this State. Mr. Davis' prophetic eye recognized the value of this
hidden wealth, so he labored earnestly until he finally accom-
plished his plans, and laid a permanent foundation for bringing
them before the public. The result was twofold : increased
prosperity for himself and co-workers, and development of the

m

Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or.

section of country touching the Main Line and branches of the
West Virginia Central and Pittsburg* Railroad. Whatever
increases the list of necessary commodities, stimulates commer-
cial activity, and gives employment to labor. This material
progress is the bone and sinew of prosperity. Any undertaking

» ; in

&

ilH^WA

mm Mwmt *»■ ■•. »

m>m

17; J ^1

that draws upon nature's handiwork for material, that has to
be extricated through mental as well as physical power, gives
employment to mankind, the greatest boon that can be con-
ferred upon humanity. To thread the labyrinth of passes and
defiles in order to ascend the Alleghanies, as this line does

Resources of Central West Virginia.

93

meant not only the expenditure of large sums of money to
accomplish it, but the necessity for renewed expenditures to
bring out the raw material from which source a profit was to be
derived. All of this the West Virginia Central Line did, and the
results are highly satisfactory.

5~

The numerous industries flourishing along the line now; the
propinquity of newly-made towns give evidence of the rapid
material progress that has taken place. A few years ago, before
the 1880s crept silently over the dial of time, this region was
virtually wild. The head-waters of Potomac River leapt down-
ward undisturbed by the music of the handsaw, and the ringing

94 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

sound of the pick in the cold. The waters of Blackwater Run,,
flowing down on the southern side of the mountains formed.
their eddying pools in total silence, save for the roar of the cata.
racts, and cascades that now lie hundreds of feet below the rail-
road in a perpendicular manner, causing the eye of the traveller
to become bewildered as he glances downward at the dashing
waters. Everything was wild — even nature's sublimnity, that
overhung the whole like a cloud of mystic scenery. To-day, the
hum and stroke of work can be heard on all sides ; the growing
towns, and gigantic lumber plants, with the rich coal mines,
present a business activity that impregnates the air around.
Bayard, Wilsonia, Davis, Coketon, Gorman, Fairfax, Douglas
Hughlin's, Hendricks, Bretz, Parsons, Dobbins, Montrose, Elkins
and Belington, are towns ranging from two to fifteen hundred
people, that have grown from the opening of the mineral and
timber resources in this section. The vast coal fields penetrating
Mineral, Grant, Tucker and Randolph Counties are the line
traversed by the West Virginia Central Railroad, and its avowed
object being accomplished, that is, to haul out this product, has
developed the whole section in a marvellous manner. In addi-
tion to the natural wealth here, the policy of the West Virginia
Central has been an aggressive one for material progress. (3)

The present status of this line is a very creditable one in
every way. The interests of the road are fostered and cared for

(3) The act of the West Virginia Central in running parallel with the
Baltimore and Ohio from Piedmont to Cumberland, has had the effect of assist-
ing the material progress of this section materially. Railroads remind us very
forcibly of the female sex in two respects. They love to coquet, and hold the
balance of power. When they perceive the latter is gradually slipping from
them, they will use any reasonable — and in many instances unreasonable —
means to retain it. And like the female again, they are indispensable ! No
undertakings ever instituted by man have been so useful and so great a service
to our country as the railroads. And the legislature which is eternally passing
bills to clog their progress, and throw obstructions in their way is unwise. The
law-makers should nurse, foster and encourage them as much as possible, in
ortler to have as many as can be gotten in a State. For experience teaches us
that the only power which can govern a railroad, and keep it entirely within
bounds, is competition/ And competition between railway systems is the most
reliable engine of development we can name, for causing a country to progress
rapidly, and grow rich through commercial and manufacturing interests. The
object of the West Virginia Central in running to Cumberland was to connect
there with the Cumberland Valley Division of the Pennsylvania Line. This
competition between the Baltimore and Ohio and West Virginia Central brought
in many a plant along the latter that has added materially to the wealth of the
country.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 95

in the most prudent manner. The industries from which the
line draws its traffic are given every possible facility for increas-
ing their capital and doubling their output. The vast raw
material in the way of timber and minerals that must be utilized
to create traffic, is so extensive the company can confidently give
every facility which will increase the power of bringing it on the
line of the road for traffic. The management is a progressive
one — as much so as it is consistent with railroad policy to be.
The roadbed, rolling stock and equipment is on a high order,
while the service is equally as good as that of any other system
we can name. The line, as well as property of the company,
show a very judicial handling, possessing the appearance of
being well-cared for in every respect. (4)

From the foregoing facts, it is readily seen that the financial
state of the system is a sound one. The traffic has steadily
increased as the line was extended, until the showing now
made is one of unusually good results. To further increase its
traffic, several branches to the Main Line have been con-
structed, while others, in course of construction, are supported
and encouraged by this line. (5)

The branch running from Thomas, on the Main Line, to
Davis, a town of fifteen hundred people, some six miles dis-
tance, is a paying one. At Hendricks, the Dry Fork Railroad
Company have begun the construction of a line to run thirty
miles southeast, to open up the vast timber resources lying on
the property of the latter company. This branch will not only
prove a good feeder for the West Virginia Central, but is des-
tined to play an important part in the future of the line. At
Roaring Creek, five miles west of Elkins, on Tygart's Valley
River, a branch is being constructed to open the coal fields in
that immediate region, of which we have already spoken in the
chapter on the resources of the section. This extension will
ultimately prove a most valuable arm, owing to the wealth it
penetrates on Roaring Creek. Already the line has a very
large traffic in coal from the Elk Garden, the Upper Potomac,
the Belington extension, and Piedmont and Cumberland Rail-

(4) Mr. C. L. Bretz, the General Manager, on whose shoulders falls the import-
ant duty of managing the Road, is fully equal to the occasion. Reared in the
railway service, he was trained under the regime of the Great Pennsylvania
System, that inducts practical knowledge, as well as discipline, into every-
thing. Both of these requirements have been brought by him into his work
on this line, and the results from it are manifest and apparent.

96 Heritage of the Trans-AUeghany Pioneers, or,

way. (6) The future of this line is destined to play an important
part in the railway history of this State. It connects, at pre-
sent, with the Pennsylvania System at Cumberland, Md. It
has several pi-ojected lines that will be of marked advantage
to the future material prosperity of West Virginia. A line is
now projected from Cumberland to Hagerstown, by which route
an entrance into Baltimore could be effected. The Dry Fork
Branch, running from Hendricks, will ultimately be extended,
and at no distant future day, the systems will, doubtless, tap
the Chesapeake and Ohio Line at the White Sulphur Springs,
in Greenbriar County. A prospective line is now in view, from
Belington to Clarksburg, to touch the West Virginia and Penn-
sylvania Railroad, that has been surveyed from Clarksburg to
Brownsville in Pennsylvania. From the present condition of
the line, with its material wealth, and the future in view, the
West Virginia Central has one cf the brightest prospects that
we know of, in connection with railway improvement in the
South.

(5) From the following statement, it will be seen that for the year ending-
June 30, 1893, after paying every fixed charge, the income of the road was
$137,833 17. Twelfth Annual Report. 3.
Receipts, Transportation. Eec. :

Passengers $ 91,735 61

Coal and Coke Freights 182,328 51

Other Freight and Express 159,819 44

Car Service, IT. S. Mail, etc 106,435 72

Miscellaneous 11.446 59

Expenditures: $551,765 87

Maintenance of Way $130,565 20

Maintenance of Equipment, 48,497 86

Conducting Transportation 112,755 14

Car Service and General Expense 40.637 91

Miscellaneous, 3,304 41 $335,760 52

$216,005 35

Percentage of operating expenses, (not including taxes)
to receipts, 61.08

Net gain to West Virginia Central from operating Pied-
mont and Cumberland Railway at 60 per cent, of
gross earnings, 91 16

During the year ended June 30th, 1893, the Company has
mined and sold from its Elk Garden Mines 369,510
tons of coal, at a profit mot cuaryina against this,
however,. its proportion of interest, taxes, and gen-
eral expenses of the Company), of 88,554 12

Add prolit on sale of coal made at Baltimore office 56,000 00

$360,650 63

Deduct interest on bonded debt, payable Jan-
uary 1st. 1893. and July 1st, 1893, . '. $177,045 00

Taxes, etc 27,421 46

Deductions made for depreciation in value of

mining plants, hotels, etc., 18,35100 $222,817 46

Net income, after paying fixed charges,, $137,833 17

Resources of Central West Virginia.

97

(6) The following' statement gives the shipments of coal from this line for
each year since 1881 :

a

to
li
bo

CO

*■■

os t-" i— i S » oo^r as ; ; ; ;
cn"t-.*- -^lolo^c**- • • • •
•u-i-rrxoU' • • •

tOtO-lk-*-!-!*"-*- - - ■

Davis— Tons.

- 1

-

CO

1,131

2,772
3,774
10,350
23,320
30,405
55,888
43,120

Thomas — Tons.

'-i

w

M ^ ........ .

Douglas— Tons.

• to to Oi

1 Spring Garden— Tons.

1 • - 1 © en

' Fairfax— Tons.

t^-D0-3OTCTrf*-C0*-^-C0t0

. to to i o i;u. -— c^ - J
— rf*. o Cn -X' — to o O -1 oo to

Bayard— Tons.

Junior— Tons.

Total— Tons.

>■ Q

i 1

•s-

s

1— 1

OS

2

^

«

>

'o

1— 1

fi 2

S

g

*3*

■<

-o

1-1

o

R

-T*"

=.

98 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAPTER X.

Agricultural Resources. — Products of the Section. — Stock Gra-
zing.— Horticulture. — Fruit Culture. — Grape Culture. — Dairy
Farming. — System of Culture in the Region. — Uncultivated
Lands. — General Remarks on the Subject.

The capacity of this section of West Virginia,, as an agricul-
tural country, is improperly judged by many passing casually
through its borders. The mountainous aspect does not impress
the beholder favorably on first sight. But a closer inspection
will soon disabuse his mind. In the discussion of this subject,
we shall judge the country by what it is capable of, and not
condemn the whole on account of a bad system of tillage of a
part. The agricultural phase of the region may be divided in
two parts : the system of culture, and productions of the val-
leys, of the streams, and the mountains and hillsides. In Bar-
bour County we see a fine lot of agricultural lands, bordering
Tygart's Valley River and other streams. Taylor, Harrison and
Marion possess some fine country, while Lewis, Braxton, Nicho-
las, Grant and Mineral and the other interior counties have good
farming lands bordering the waters of the various streams.
Wood, Jackson and Mason, along the Ohio River, hold the
highest reputation as farming lands, possessing much of the
alluvial bottoms of the Ohio, that are famed, far and near, for
their productiveness. In all of the counties, on the hillsides,
some fine crops are produced, and grass raised for stock.

The products of the section may be said to be : wheat,
oats, rye, barley, corn, hay, and vegetables, with some fruit-
growing and dairy-farming. In the limestone regions of the
section, and on the Ohio River, the cereals produce well, and
are raised in surplus quantities. Large amounts of grain are
shipped abroad from the section bordering the Ohio River, as
well as other regions in the limestone country. Still, there are
other counties devoted principally to grazing, in which the
production of grain is small. The tables given in the notes
appended hereto, give an idea of the productions of the cereals

Resources of Central West Virginia.

99

and hay, as well as showing the counties that raise them in less
quantities, where stock-grazing is the staple. (1) In some
favored regions the average yield of wheat is from fifteen to
twenty bushels per acre ; of oats, twenty-five to thirty bushels ;
of corn, fifteen to forty bushels ; of hay, two-and-a-half to three
tons per acre. The foregoing yield is that taken from Wood,
Jackson, Mason, Harrison, Upshur, Mineral, and the counties that
are best in an agricultural sense. The rest of the sections will
average from eight to fifteen bushels of grain per acre, and one-
and-a-half" tons of hay. Owing to the elevation of the lands; the
frequent showers and heavy dews in the summer season, grasses
do remarkably well, and timothy, red top clover, lucerne, Grer-

(1) The table following g-ives the average yield of crop per acre in this
region :

COUNTIES

WHEAT. OATS. CORN. Meadows. Pas Potat's Ap.

- ah

T3S
CI at
O o

O 0)

Barbour

Braxton

Calhoun

Clay

Doddridge..

Grant

Gilmer ,

Harrison

Jackson. ...

Lewis

Marion

Mason

Mineral

Nicholas —
Pocahontas
Randolph...

Ritchie

Roane

Taylor

Tucker

Upshur, —

Webster

Wirt

Wood

15 00

18 00

10 00
6 00

16 00
16 00
13 00

11 00
9 00

13 00
18 00
13 00

12 00

105
95
90
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
95

15 00
18 00

16 00

12 00
16 00
22 00
15 00

13 00
15 00
15 00

100

100
80
95
90

100
90
85

HO
85

100 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

man millet, English red top, and orchard grass, make fine hay
for forage. The land takes kindly to grass, and the latter is
undoubtedly a fine fertilizer for the soil. (2) Among the moun-
t. J nous part of the lands vegetables in season are produced with
little trouble and expense. Particularly true is this with refer-
ence to potatoes and cabbage. Wherever the hillsides are
cleared, these staples can be raised in large quantities, with a
handsome return on the money invested. Some of the finest
cabbage and largest potatoes we have ever seen were produced
in this section of West Virginia. Along the Ohio River, and in
the mountains, fruit growing is prosecuted just sufficiently to
show that peach, apple, plum, and grape culture, would yield a
rich profit, if properly nursed and attended to, and each class
of fruit pitched in its true section with reference to climatic
influences and proper exposure. Nearly every county produces'
a surplus of milk and butter, large quantities of the latter of
which are taken by the merchants in the way of trade for mer-
chandise, and shipped to the cities East. Unless a diligent
inquiry was made, we would have no idea of the large amount
of the butter, eggs and poultry raised by the housewives of the
farmers, and exchanged for the various commodities of life. (3)
This system has opened a regular line of traffic between the
merchants and Eastern markets. And the extent of the busi-
ness would never be recognised without a careful insight into
all its various ramifications.

Wherever the lowlands and valleys of the section are put in
grasses for hay, and wherever the lands on the plateau of the.
mountains, as well as along the hillsides, are cleared, a fine sod
comes over the surface. The logical result is, the country is a

(2) The lands take naturally to grass in most of the counties. If clover
was used more as a fertilizer, the agricultural state of the country would be
improved.

(3) It is a prevalent idea with strangers to the country, that the section
does not produce enough for home consumption, since the many manufactur-
ing plants and mineral works have been started. A careful investigation
shows this opinion to be extremely erroneous. In the country, and at nearly
all the small towns in the region, there are numerous merchants, who do all
their business by way of barter and exchange. , They take 'in>lieu of their mer-
chandise, grain, dried fruit, eggs, butter, meat and poultry. This is shipped
East by them and sold. The towns along the railroads that purchase their sup-
plies in the cities, buy, in many instances, the same necessities that are raised
m a surplus around them, gathered up and sent to the cities by the various
merchants throughout the country, who have, in many places a regular line of
semi-weekly shipments.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 101

fine stock grazing one Horses, cattle, sheep and swine do well,
and are raised in large numbers in some counties of which we
are writing. Cattle raising is one of the chief staples of the
country. Hundreds of carloads are shipped annually for beef to
the eastern marts, and in Lewis, Harrison, Wood, Jackson and
Mason, an export business to Europe is done in this line. Houses
in Europe have standing buyers here, who purchase in carload
lots on orders. (4) The rearing of a better class of horses is now
indulged in than the old connestoga stock, and the superior
breeding in this line tells as in everything else. The high-bred
horse is better for every purpose than one of ordinary breeding,
and the citizens of the country would do well to profit by the
small experience already gained in this line, and devote more of
their time and energy to rearing a finer grade of horses than
ever. The scrub horse eats just as much as a thoroughbred ;
requires the same pasturage and housing, yet he will command
one-third less money than the other. The well-bred horse is
not only fit for farm purposes when called on, but can bring his
worth at a moment's notice in almost any city market. There
is ample room for improvement in this line, and the agricultural
men should profit by the wisdom and experience of those who
have inaugurated a higher breeding in horses in the region. (5)

(4) From statistical returns the following table gives an idea of the stock
business in this part of West Virginia :

Horses. Cattle. Sheep. Swine.

Barbour 4,250 12,852 14,829 743

Braxton 3,398 9,936 10,156 1.142

Calhoun 1,573 4,507 3,324 300

Clay 778 3,237 2,292 957

Doddridge 3,304 8,860 19,377 728

Grant. 4,044 9,208 18,704 829

Gilmer 2,549 6,992 8,680 437

Harrison 7,684 19,342 37,396 1,324

Jackson 3,840 9,540 14,044 368

Lewis 4,882 14,128 24,385 652

Marion 5,818 12,797 22,214 1,823

Mason 4,399 10,684 11,221 795

Mineral 3,407 . 8,920 16,208 754

Nicholas 2,286 8,761 9,860 1,955

Pocahontas 2,152 7,303 12,857 520

Randolph 2,929 8,621 11,524 881

Ritchie 3,820 10,557 18,493 373

Roane 3,633 10,320 15,010 270

Taylor 2,558 6,792 8,257 807

Tucker 1,104 2,228 2,056 291

Upshur 3,692 9,474 13,339 1,023

Webster 1,136 3,595 4,561 1,127

Wirt 1.719 4,589 3,063 318

Wood , 4998 9,352 7,628 318

(5) Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of improving the
breed of stock. In the Blue Grass Section of Kentucky; in Shenandoah Valley,

ALDERS0N-BR0ADDUS COLLEGE
LIBRARY

102 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Wherever this has been done, the results both in a commer-
cial way, as well as that of pleasure, have been most gratifying.
Every element for the rearing of fine stock of every class exists
in this State, and their freedom from disease is something
remarkable. The sheep husbandry is prosecuted here to some
extent — sufficiently indulged in to show two things : that it is
one of the most profitable modes of agriculture ; and, that the
climate, range and grass is so extensive it might be increased a
hundred fold. Every farmer who has been engaged in sheep-
raising adds his testimony to the fact that the country is pecu-
liarly adapted to it, and the profits from the wool and lambs
give a higher percentage on the money invested than on any
other class of farming. (6) And that the section is good for the

Virginia; in the valley proper of the "Old Dominion," the good results from
careful and improved breeding have been manifest in every way. And the
man who commences to improve the stock in a country becomes, more or less,
a public benefactor. In this direction too much commendation cannot be
given to Judge J. K. Bennett, of Weston. Lewis County, West Virsinia. Sensi-
ble of the needs of his country in this respect, he has introduced a strain of
both running and trotting stock that will enhance the value of the horse
immensely in the region of which we are writing. Some of his racers in both
classes of wort have met with marked success. Judge Bennett's high position,
both socially and officially, gives a weight and tone to the rearing of race
horses that sets a worthy example to the young, and it is to be deplored that
many more gentlemen of the same kind in the section have not followed in his
footsteps.

(6) Mr. M. V. Richards, editor of the "Baltimore and Ohio Field," in the
admirable article we have quoted from before, has this to say on the subject
of sheep-breeding:

" West Virginia is peculiarly well adapted to sheep raising, The limestone
soil, while it has sufficient calcereous matter to insure fertility, is of such a
character as to retain no water on its surface, and contains no element which
would have a tendency to injure the feet or fleece of the sheep. Hence, when
the sheep are shorn, the wool is soft, white and pliable.

" The whole state is dotted over with hills and valleys, and watered by
evergushing streams and refreshing springs. The purity, sweetness and invig-
orating character of these never-failing supplies, meet every need of the hus-
bandman.

"Other decided advantages possessed by West Virginia over the New Eng-
land and other sheep-raising States, is not only her fertility of soil which
allows the greater variety and quantity of agricultural product, but her genial
climate, thus materially shortening the period which necessitates housing
sheep, because, as a rule, the pastures are a living green almost the year
round.

"The fleece of a thoroughbred American ewe, which has been properly
summered and wintered, ranges from ten to eighteen pounds, while a buck's
weighs from fifteen to twenty-five. The malarial and scab diseases so common
and fatal in other States are not known among the West Virginia sheep
breeders.

" Even during the hottest months due to the peculiar adaptability of the
climate, the shepherds can always find a high and dry range for their flocks. *
***** rp^e g£ate js capable of sustaining many hundred thousand more
sheep, not only for wool and breeding purposes, but the nearby markets also
insure large profits in lambs."

Resotirces of Central West Virginia. 103

purpose no one will deny who is at all cognizant of the matter.
By careful and prudent management, and in improvement
in breed of stock, no country would give a more remunerative
return in every way.

There is another source of wealth from the soil just begin-
ning to bud in this section, which would bring means to the
people if properly prosecuted. We allude to the culture of
small fruit — grapes particularly for making wine, and for ship-
ment. The success of wine-makers in sections not more propit-
ous than this, should be a strong stimulant to the inhabitants
here. It seems just a little strange that fruit culture has not
been prosecuted more vigorously here when we consider all the
conditions for its success. In many of the counties we are
writing about, the sunny southern exposures are admirably
adapted to grape culture. The soil is comparatively new,
permeated with more or less of decomposed rock coming from
the shell period of the Devonian age, and on many of the
descents is composed of a light gravelly earth, suitable for
grapes, as well as other small fruits. Almost any farmer can
give the attention necessary to the cultivation of a vineyard in
this section, an experienced person being required only for
pruning. In some parts of the section, especially along the Ohio
River, there are four vineyards which pay handsomely. Other
fruits, such as apples, plums, pears, and peaches can be grown
with success, if the proper varieties are put on the right location.
The apples raised in Lewis County have quite a reputation.

Dairy farming, of which we have casually spoken, can be
said to be a successful branch of agriculture here, when we
consider the amount of butter shipped to the Northern and
Eastern markets. Yet this important industry does not have
the attention it is entitled to as a staple commodity of the
region. The immense acreage of pasturage gives the foundation
for numerous creameries, cheese-factories, and the like. The
people could with profit substitute the old hackneyed regime of
a rotation of a few crops for this kind of agriculture. The
capital put upon land for the production of butter and cheese is
much less than that expended in cultivating cereals, besides
improving the land. This class of tillage is called for more than
ever in the past few years. Owing to the number of manufactur-
ing plants springing up, with the towns and cities they create, a
demand for vegetables, poultry, milk and butter is growing, and

104 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

to supply these the system of farming should be greatly changed
and the lands put in proper condition.

The system of culture, or tillage, employed by the inhabi-
tants of a portion of the region has not only lessened the profits
to the owners, but given an erroneous idea to the public of the
country as an agricultural section. While a part has been used
carefully, and cultivated judiciously, much has been treated
abominably. It may be that the large extent of territory has
something to do with it, but in many places lands are cleared
out ; crop after crop is grown until the rich, virgin soil is
exhausted. No rotation or diversity of productions are resorted
to ; no lime, bone or fertilizer used to recuperate the soil ; no
grass sown to fertilize it. The result is incapacity to produce
in a few years, and a wrong impression given to strangers about
the country as a farming one. The sore spot is soon deserted,
while a new one is cleared, and the same thing gone over again.
The work of continual clearing impoverishes the owner; con-
tinued cultivation without manuring, or recuperating, wears
out the lands, and a mode of tillage is handed down from sire
to son, that would impoverish the richest agricultural country
on the globe. A rut of cultivation is established, from which it
seems hard to drag many of the tillers of the soil, who, when
approached with a better and surer method, are apt to say:
" the ways of my fathers are good enough for my wants.'1 Their
condition in life, clothes, houses and lands, stand as a monu-
ment of contradiction to that old saying, that sounds as unwise
as it is trite and homely. A diversity of crops, with judicious
use of grasses, bone and lime, would render these people pros-
perous and comfortable, who are disposed to visit all their ills
upon "unwise legislation against the farmer,'1 as they term it.

Notwithstanding the large acreage under cultivation in this
territory, there are hundreds of thousands of acres within its
borders that might be brought into requisition, and increase the
general revenue of the country. Many of these lands are capa-
ble of a high state of production, only waiting for the capital
and energy of man to bring them into a good producing sec-
tion. Farmers, both North and East, have but little idea of
these regions, and an examination of them would reveal the
immeasurable superiority of this over other countries, in the
way of climate and soil. Many acres of these lands can be pur-
chased from five to fifteen dollars per acre, which, if properly
tilled, would fully equal the agricultural region of the moun-

Resources of Central ~\Yest Virginia. 105

tainous country of Pennsylvania. All they require is energy
and some capital to develop their agricultural resources. The
rapid improvement that the past few years has brought since
the construction of the railway systems in this portion of the
State, is but the beginning of an end, upon which no one can
prophesy as yet. The opening up of the immense timber and
mineral resources of the State, and the building of settlements
and towns, must create more and more demand, to supply
which energy and capital will come to reclaim every acre possi-
ble in this section to produce the necessaries of life. Miles upon
miles of this territory are still unopened, with a fine grade of
lands. All through the valleys, up the foothills of the moun-
tains, and along their bases and sides, the bright green of the
laarel still contrasts with the crimson of the sumac, and the
white of the dogwood. The loftier branches of the hickory, the
oak and the chesnut, shade the violets and pansies as well as a
rich, but unkept and uncultivated soil. Through the golden
autumnal season for ages the leaves of the linden, the alder and
the hawthorn have first assumed their golden hue, and amid
winter's chilling winds fluttered to the ground to enrich the soil.
Under this canopy of leaves lies great wealth, merely wanting
the magic touch of energy and capital to blossom and bring
forth the fruits of the earth in due season.

106 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAPTER XI.

Timber Interest in this Section. — Different Varieties. — Hard-
woods.— Virgin Forests. — Manufacture of Timber. — Facilities
of the Section for Woodworking Plants. — Description of Some
Lumber Plants in Operation.

The timber interests of West Virginia were the first that
practically attracted foreign capital, and has been a source of
great revenue t<> the native citizens as well as investors.) "We
approach this subject with great delicacy, because so much has
been said and written on the matter, that some people have an
idea that West Virginia is one boundless forest of virgin timber.
Such, however, is not the case. But some sections of the State
possess more timber than any other State we can name, and in
writing on the subject we shall address ourselves simply to the
facts. There is not another country in the North, East or South
that has the boundless tracts of forest possessed by the Appala-
cian region in this section, As a whole, West Virginia's timber
may be said to consist of two classes : forests that have been cut
over, and forests that are uncut. The difference in the two
types of timber consists not so much in difference of the num-
ber and sizes' of the trees, as in other respects. The forest that
has been cut away possess just as large trees, and as many in
instances as the virgin forest, but the difference is the effect that
cutting, and some clearing, has upon the growth and quality of
timber. Forests that have been thinned have more worms and
windshakcs, and are more subject to firescalls, hurricanes and
storms than the uncut, or virgin timber, for which reason the
latter is more valuable, even if less in quantity. In the counties
of Barbour, Tucker, Taylor, Lewis, Upshur, Roane, Wirt and
Jackson, there lie many acres of forest of good merchantable
timber that has been cut over. In some portions of these coun-
ties lumber is being manufactured still, with room and quantity
for others, But in Randolph, Webster, Pocahontas, and a part
of Gilmer and Greenbriar, a primeval forest stands, that is far
superior to any timber we can name. The principal part of the

Resources of Central West Virginia. 107

forests in the counties named lie in the vicinity of Camden-on-
Gauley, in Webster County, and Pickens in Randolph County.
The forests of this section include almost every variety: walnut,
oak, hickory, hemlock, spruce, poplar, ash. juniper, dogwood,
birch, maple and burr oak, with chesnut, Spanish-oak, post-oak
and chesnut-oak. Some locust is found. While in some sections
the axe has been handled extensively in felling a portion of it,
but little impression has been made as yet upon the main body
of the timber. Hundred of thousands of acres are still untouch-
ed, and a visit to the forests gives us some idea of its boundless
extent.

The Appalacian range of mountains in a large part of the
region, with its arms, spurs and subspurs shooting out here and
there, are clothed on their sides and tops with forests of valua-
ble timber. The ash, the maple, the hickory, in all their varie-
ties, tower here in primeval majesty. On many a square mile
the lumberman's axe and saw have never been heard, nor a tree
taken from its native position. The stranger in quest of knowl-
edge of the timber lies upon his back and looks upward to
where the tendrils of the scuppernong, and the fox grape, cling
to the topmost branches of the trees, and is unable to see a piece
of blue sky that will make a ribbon large enough for the rustic
beauty's neck, whom he left in the cove below, lingering around
the hallway when he last saw her. The capitalist erect, and
with the thrill of speculation in his veins, sees the huge mon-
sters that have stood for centuries awaiting the music of the
hand-saw and jig, and in endeavoring to calculate the amount of
lumber they would make, soon finds his mind submerged in a
sea of figures. Even with modern machinery, and the best
facilities for shipping, it will take years to strip these mountains
of their native timber. Calculation is indulged in by the forest
visitor, as he sits up to get a view of the surrounding trees.
Thousands run into millions — millions into billions, until his
arithmetical education seems to have deserted him, or becomes
suddenly deficient as he sinks back to look through the vines of
the scuppernong, and fox grapes above, into the dense foliage
beyond, while his mind reverts to the rustic beauty in the cove
below. He feels that it needs no calculation to inform him that
West Virginia's timber resources are great.

The number of feet per acre of timber in one of these prime-
val forests cannot be calculated to a nicety; yet some estimate
may be given. We can safely assert that the timber forests of

IDS Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

West Virginia in this region will average not less than 5,000 feet
per acre. To the owners of many of these forests this estimate
would be discarded with derision, but it suits admirably because
we know it is safe, The quality of the timber is most satisfac-
tory. Some of the trees have yielded an immense amount of
manufactured lumber, and a glance at their size gives us un-
bounded respect for West Virginia's product in this line. (1)
The timber when cut goes far beyond the average log in quan-
tity, and runs from 03 to 70 per cent, in Is and 2s, the best grade
of lumber manufactured. Certainly, we know of no region in
any State that can excel this section of West Virginia in lumber.
When we consider the boundless extent of this material here,
and the further fact that the virgin forests of Webster, Ran-
dolph, Pocahontas, Greenbriar and Gilmer are penetrated by
the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, we feel that it should
be the centre of wood-working industries. The opinion of
others, on whose judgment we can rely, is the same as our own
on this subject. (2) Competition is a powerful engine in trade

(1) Colonel J. A. Fickinger, a native of Northeast Ohio, and formerly
Engineer-in-Chief of the Ohio River Railroad, and the West Virginia and Pitts-
burg Railroad, and now Manager of the Gauley Lumber Company— a gentleman
of unquestioned veracity, gives the following measurement of a tree milled at
his factory:

2 logs 60 inches diam. 16 feet long scaled, 5,972 feet,
1 " 63 " " 16 " " " 6,802 "

1 " 63 " " 12 " " " 2,611 '*

1 '• 69 " " 10 " " " 2.611 " •

2 " broken, scaled 6,761 "

The product was scaled by the usual board measurement, and is something-
so anomalous that we scarcely wonder at its taking the premium at the World's
Fair, Colonel Fickinger, whose, knowledge on the subject, as well as intelli-
gence, entitles him to speak, says as to the average timber:

•"The general average of the run of logs may be said to be from 300 to 600
feet,"

(2) It is not our habit to quote except from the statements of those from
whom true information can be gathered. In a description of the coal and timber
resources in this section, gotten out by Mr. M. V. Richards, the talented Editor
of the "B. and O. Field'" we have the following statement on the subject of
wood-working plants ;

"The marked advantage of the country along the West Virginia and Pitts-
burg Railroad for the establishment and successful operation of factories for
the making of furniture of all grades is visible on every hand. The greatest
variety of timber is obtainable at low figures ; the saw-mills are ready to con-
tract to furnish their product, or the furniture manufacturer can buy the
timber in the stump, and work his own product. It is only a question of time
when furniture factories will be numerous along this line; already some are
started, and the manufacturers located elsewhere will soon appreciate that in
order to compete they must get right on the ground where the timber grows.
It is not uncommon to see cai--load after car-load of timber passing out over
this railroad billed to furniture factories in the North and West."

Resources of Central West Virginia. 109

at the present day. The manufacturer must, and should consult
where he can get the cheapest raw material in argest quanti-
ties, and at what point he can save a surplus haul on useless
raw material. That state of affairs must eventually drive
many manufacturers of wood into this section. And a better
field cannot be found. Material is cheap and plentiful ; labor
can be had here on as favorable terms as at any place we know
of ; railway facilities are at the doors of the timber, and a never-
failing water-supply on hand. No better locality could be found
for planing mills of every description ; sash, window, door, and
blind factories ; balustrade, and carved wood-working plants ;
bric-a-brac, and pannelling shops. All of these could be made
to pay well here, and furnish employment to many people. (3)
And that they will be ushered in in time is true, from the fact
that the favorable circumstances surrounding such plants in the
region will eventually draw them here.

Before the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad penetrated
this vast timber region there were no shipping facilities.
Sombre and grand it stood lining the mountains from summit to
base, the white blossoms of the dogwood mingling with the green
of the myrtle, and the many varieties standing together
waiting for the ingenuity of man to make use of its thousands
of feet. In the Counties of Webster, Pocahontas, Braxton,
Tucker, and Randolph, square miles of trees of primeval
growth stand ready for use : throughout the forests along the
line of the railroad are hundreds of acres of it, while in the
interior the multitude of trees are countless. From this source
alone, capitalists who are fast coming in will reap a rich harvest,
for there are sufficient transportation facilities now. Nor is the
immigration of capital for speculation the only result. In many
sections the rough timber is being manufactured, and prepared
for the market on the spot. Soon the clearing will begin in

(3) In the same article quoted from, prepared by Mr. Richards, he gives the
following statement with reference to other plants :

"Beyond question the most inviting- field for wood-bending- factories is that
reached by the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. This is one of the most
promising- and successful industries of tiie age, and persons or corporations
se.'king- locations for such factories should establish themselves where the raw
material is abundant and cheap. The most desirable wood-bending- timber is
found along the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, and the best location
for factories utilizing that product is right along this line, where the tim-
ber can be hauled directly from the forest to the mill.

'•Then after it has passed the mill, this system of railroad allied with the
great B. and O.s1 Lines offers unequalled facilities for placing the product in
the best markets of the country."

The foregoing article is equally as wise as it ia true.

110 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

good earnest, and there will be a culling of all this valuable
material so essential to the wants of man. The hickory will
have to bow its branches to the requisition of the carriage-
maker ; the walnut and cherry to the wants of the cabinet-
maker, while the oak and pine must bow theirs for the much
more common purposes of ordinary constructing and building
material. Many manufacturing plants are now located along
this line, and the West Virginia Central, and there is the
brightest outlook for handle and stave factories, and cities and
towns sufficient along the road to offer substantial advantages
to those desiring to immigrate as wood-workers in any form or
shape. No better field can be found for plants of this nature
than along the line of the West Virginia and Pittsburg Rail-
road, in the region of which wc are writing.

Owing to inaccessibility of material, there is a business that
is constantly being narrowed within a smaller compass every
day. We allude to the tan bark business. The continual
demand for bark, and large consumption of the same, has
occupied the attention of thoughtful men, as to where the
future supply should come from. Mr. Richards has most aptly
said, in his article already quoted from, as follows :

"The tan-bark supply[is decreasing- with such rapidity, that one can take a
map of the United States, and quickly and readily indicate the locations yet
not wholly taken up."

West Virginia, for more reasons than one, stands out in
bright relief as one of the few locations where this commodity
can be found in any quantity. High on the mountains around,
and lining their sides, are numberless chesnut oaks, that will
yield a large quantity of material in the way of bark. It is of
a superior grade, peeling easily, and quite accessible. In this
section of the State a large amount of tan bark timber lies
ready to yield its product on demand. Already there are some
large tanneries in the region along the West Virginia Central,
and all have made a commercial success of the undertaking.
Others are preparing to come in to vie with those established, in
getting out and placing on the market the useful and valuable
product made from bark. This country is nearer the West than
the East, and to the former direction of the compass must tan-
ners now look for raw and green hides, This line through Cen-
tral West Virginia is in direct communication with Chicago, the
trading mart and distributing point of the whole country now.

Resources of Central West Virginia. Ill

While in the virgin forests of this section the timber grows
to an unusually large size, there are smaller varieties that are
not useful for the hand saws, yet are valuable in another sense.
This class of timber is now coming into demand from the institu-
tion of a business just in its infancy — the railroad tie business.
Hitherto, the march after merchantable lumber, and the fine
grade of timber here that bore transportation by wagon, even
before railroads were constructed, has covered up the occupa-
tion of getting out railroad ties in this particular section. Now
that transportation facilities have come, and immigration
brought in, the vast tie-timber material is attracting attention.
All along the line of the railroads thousands of ties can be seen
coming in, and while the business is just beginning, it may be
said to be on foot. The Gauley Lumber Company, at Camden-
on-Gauley, in Webster County, is actively engaged in this busi-
ness, and shipping a large number of ties. There are indica-
tions of an increase in the business everywhere, for farmers
have found out that many a surplus dollar can be made by utili-
zing this timber, and hauling in the product to the railroad
when the season does not permit work on the farm. Foreign
(Capitalists are beginning to invest in the product in larger
anodes, until the outlook is decidedly bright. (4) This class of
timber is always in demand, owing to a consumption of its pro-
duct continually. Nearly all ties obtained in this region are
shipped east, and a fair profit made on the capital and labor
invested in the undertaking, provided the business is properly
handled — a prerequisite in any calling or vocation in life. White
oak is the principal kind of timber used, although other varie-
ties are cut. This industry gives employment to many people,
and deserves to be fostered and encouraged in every way.
And the forests, by careful nursing, will yield a continuous

(4) Regarding this business, Mr. W. W. Thomas, a gentleman of practical
knowledge upon the subject, has this to say :

'•The tie business, that is just in its inception along the branches of the
West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad and West Virginia Central Kailroad, is
being developed rapidly. I was for some time engaged in the tie business
along the section of country tributary to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway
Company, which was considered a fine timber region, but the forests in the
section of country along the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad and West
Virginia Central Railroad, are better than any I know of. This business is
likely to increase, until there is an annual output of not less than four hun-
dred thousand ties per annum, and there is a sufficiency of timber to last
twenty years. In glancing at the various stations along the lines, it is easily
seen that the number of ties hauled out is steadily increasing and the persons
engaging ia it show that its dimensions will soon reach a gigantic scale."

112 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

supply, as the average durability of a good white oak tie is
from twelve to fifteen years.

In the region of country all through Barbour, Randolph,.
Upshur, Lewis, Braxton, Webster, Pocohontas, Gilmer and
Roane Counties, in connection with the timber interest, is
another class of industries that would do handsomely. We
allude to cutting and manufacturing hoop-poles. Innumerable
white oak, hickory, and dogwood saplings line the hill sides and
mountains, that if cut and bundled, would bring a handsome
return from any of the stave and barrel factories. In the first
place, the business requires but a small outlay of capital in the
beginning, and all who have engaged in it along the older lines
of the various railway systems have made money from it. Here,
in this new region penetrated by the Camden Lines a few years
ago, the material for this product lies in its native state — vir-
tually untouched. The reason is, larger game, in the way of
monster walnut, spruce and poplar logs, have occupied the
attention of investors up to this time. But the hour is not far
distant when manufacturers of hogsheads, barrels and kegs,
must come here where the raw material lies, to obtain full
advantages of the profits in this business, where the products
both for staves and hoop-poles is in immense quantities. In a
larger part of the interior district, the oak, hickory and dog-
wood, lie in their virgin state untouched.

Who can give an adequate idea of these immense forests by
pen pictures ? No one ! Nature's paint, with the eye as a brush,
dipped in the clear ethereal light around, can only give the
proper coloring to the canvas on which we desire to impress
some expression of the quantity of timber. On Williams1 Riverr
Cherry River, Cranberry, Cheat and Gauley Rivers, the bound-
less forests grow dense, and places exist where the sunlight
struggles to kiss the daisies.and violets beneath the overhang-
ing foliage, entwining with the scuppernong and fox grapes
below. Looking from some high point over the surrounding
country, in the mellow light of an autumnal sun, the eye reaches
for miles over the variegated forest that sweeps away until sight
merges into the realms, beyond which human sight can never
peer. To give a clear view of the wealth of Central West Vir-
ginia in timber, it is necessary to mingle with the hawthorne,
to see the myrtle, and watch the hemlock.

While upon this branch of the resources of West Virginia, it
is not amiss to touch upon some of the gigantic lumber plants in

Resources of Central West Virginia. 113

the region. Where any industries are instrumental in develop-
ing a section, and giving employment to a large number of peo-
ple, it is entitled to more than a passing notice. At the proper
place sufficient space will be given Camden-on-Gauley, Pickens,
Buckhannon, Alexandria, and other points. At the present, we
simply wish to give a list of the larger lumber plants, in order
that an idea may be gained of the wonderful development
already made of some of the timber interests in the section.
Following are the leading ones: The Gauley Company, located
at Camden-on-Gauley. Capacity of mill — 100,000 feet per diem.
The Alexandria Company, near Newlon's. Capacity of mill —
80,000 feet per diem. Buckhannon Lumber Company, at Buck-
annon, West Virginia. Capacity of mill — 75,000 feet per diem.
Pickens Lumber Company, at Pickens, West Virginia. Capacity
of mill — 50,000 feet per diem. The Holly Lumber Company, on
Elk. in Braxton. Capacity of mill — 90,000 feet per diem. Along
the line of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad,
in Tucker and Randolph Counties, particularly, are some fine
lumber plants that do a flourishing business. Among these, may
be mentioned: Wilson's, at Wilsonia; Rumbarger & Co., at
Dobbins ; Dry Fork Plant, at Hendricks ; Welch Bros., at Hugh-
lins ; Camden and Lane Boom and Lumber Company, at Bretz ;
Williams & Dasher, at Parsons. All of these plants have a
capacity of from 50,000 to 100,000 feet of lumber per diem. Those
plants represent an immense amount of capital, employing a
number of laborers that runs into the thousands. Besides
these, are a number of smaller plants at various points along the
line of the road. (5) When these industries do a thriving busi-
ness, while they have been in operation for a couple of years,
and yet make no impression on the main body of the timber, we
begin to realize that the resources of Central West Virginia are
simply wonderly.

(5) The following- statistics give an average of the product of some of the
logs from the timber in this region :

1 log, 16 feet long by 60 inches, 3,156 feet.
1 " 16 ' 61 " 3,219 "

Mr. R. C. Clevenger, under a contract,- obtained the following results :
From 59 logs was sawed 51,059 feet.

Mr. C. B. White, another sawmill man, unrter contract, gives these results:

From 221 logs, 139,481 feet.
Messrs. Daw & Burr, under contract, produced the following:
2.725 logs, 1,360,955 feet.

114 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Mr. D. C. Flynn, at Camden-on-Gauley, connected with The Gauley Com-
pany, and a gentleman acquainted with the subject of timber, in scaling some
logs, gives the handsome result of, 16,685 logs producing, 6,618,360 feet of good
lumber. From accurate notes on this subject he gives the following carefully
compiled measurement of logs :

33,905

Poplar logs

> measured

12,060,821

385

Cherry

"

108,247

226

Birch "

"

37,548

18

Walnut "

"

1,484

7

Magnolia "

"

738

1,845

Ash

*'

504,973

2,042

Maple "

"

427,053

4,650

Chesnut "

"

825,347

7,167

Oak

"

1,948,339

7,517

Hemlock "

"

1,476,480

1,221

Cucumber

logs "

258,286

1,370

Spruce

" "

277,532

2,768

White Linden logs "

471,951

Resources of Central West Virginia. 115

CHAPTER XII.

Geological Structure of this Section. — Carboniferous Age. — Ar-
rangement of the Rocks. — Sub-carboniferous. — Carboniferous
Sandstones. — Shales. — Conglomerates. — Limestones. — Coarse
Sandstones. — Minerals Generally Deposited in these Rocks.

From, causes generated when the great Appalachian uphea-
val occurred in this region, the rocks of the Upper Silurian
period, as well as Devonian age, may be occasionally seen. (1)
But the formations here belong properly to the Carboniferous
age. The rocks divide naturally into those of the Sub-carbon-
iferous and Carboniferous. In the former period may be found
the Crinoidal limestone in the interior continental regions ; and
in the Appalachian range, in Middle and Southern Virginia,
the rock is also of limestone, and has great thickness. When
we come to Northern Virginia, or a large portion of the section
of which we are writing, and Pennsylvania, the rock becomes
a sandstone, or conglomerate, overlaid by a shaly, or clayey
sandstone, and marlites of reddish, yellowish, and bluish colors.
The whole has a maximum thickness of some 5,300 feet. In
Harrison. Lewis, Randolph, and Barbour Counties these rocks
are frequently exposed to view. In the Carboniferous period —
the coal measures proper, are sandstones, shales, conglomerates,
and occasionally limestones. But it must not be forgotten that
these resemble those of the Devonian and Silurian ages very
closely, and cannot be distinguished except by marks of
upheaval, and fossils. They occur in various alterations, with
an occasional bed of some mineral between them, principally
iron and coal. By careful computation, it appears that the
minerals take up possibly a fiftieth part of the whole thickness
— that is for one foot of mineral there are probably fifty feet of
barren rock. The strata of this period may be classified as
follows :

(1) On the Grafton and Greenbriar Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Sys-
tem, up Cove Run, in Barbour County, the limestone along1 the run holds fossils
of the Devonian age. One of a fish was so plain, as to attract the attention of
11 ordinary beholder.

116 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghaiiy Pioneers, or,

CARBONIFEROUS PERIOD.

1. Sandstone and conglomerate beds.

2. Coal-measure proper.

3. Shaley sandstone.

4. Siliceous iron ore.

5. Argillaceous sandstone.

6. Coal-measure, with clay below.

7. Sandstone.

8. Argillaceous iron ore.

9. Argillaceous shale.

10. Limestone, containing oolites.

11. Fossil iron ore, (oolitic).

12. Coal, small seam, with slaty shale.

13. Coarse sandstone (vespertine).

It will be seen from the foregoing that the limestone strata
are more numerous and extensive in the interior, continental
region than in the Appalachian, and west of the States of
Missouri, and Kansas, limestone is the prevailing rock. And so
in the Appalachian region of Middle and Southern Virginia.
The sandstone and conglomerates, in a measure, form what is
known as the capstone of the Carboniferous period, and in this
section on the highest points is extremely persistent, rarely
varying except where an upheaval has penetrated them, or they
are depressed in folds by other strata, and somewhat covered
over. When the rocks are exposed to the chemical action of the
atmosphere, the sandstone appears to be freer from impurities,
being in many places a granular quartz, composed of almost
pure silica. The coal beds below, ranging from four to nine feet
in thickness, often rest on a bed of grayish-blue clay, called the
under clay, in which roots and stems of plants are often found.
When this clay is absent, the understructure is usually a sand-
stone or shale, — more frequently the latter. Above, the rock
may be sandstone, shale, or even limestone. Frequently it is a
shale, commonly termed slate. These coal beds vary in thick-
ness in this region. Below the shaly sandstone under the coal,
and often just beneath the shale, a silicious iron ore is found,
ranging from one and a half feet in thickness to two and a half.
This seam is very certain and persistent, sometimes running
for miles unbroken, except where the flowing of water has
caused erosion, or an upheaval produced a fold. AVhen we
come to speak of the minerals seriatim, under the head

Resources of Central West Virginia. 117

of mineral resources, this stratum will be carefully treated. Below
■the Argillaceous sandstone, in many places, another seam of
•coal is perceptible, that is not so thick as that of the coal meas-
ure proper above. Beneath the second layer of coal lies a sand-
stone, some nine or ten feef in thickness, underlaid with a slight
vein of iron ore, that cleaves in a shell-like way to the rock.
This ore is but slight, rarely running over twelve inches in
thickness. Beneath the succeeding Argillaceous shales and oolitic
Crinoidal limestone, lies the thickest and most persistent bed of
iron ore in this region. It is a fossil ore, in the shape of oolites,
and lies imbedded in the shales, clays and sand-grit of the earth.
It ranges from three to four feet in thickness, and is quite pro-
lific. The remaining strata of this period consist mainly of a
slight seam of coal and a coarse sandstone, known, geologically,
as the Vespertine series. This field of the geological column is
an interesting study, from the fact, the great upheaval that
formed the Appalachian range, with the faults and ridges pro-
duced by erosion, present some fine views to the student, as well
as ordinary observer.

Leaving aside the barren sandstones, all these strata contain
minerals. Most of these come under the class of earthly min-
erals, and are prolific. In the upper sandstone and conglomer-
ates, a rock is frequently seen, composed almost entirely of pure
silica, that yields a good product for glass-sand. Just beneath
the first bed of coal, in a fine grained, dark blue stone, drawing
slate is found. In the strata, under the coals or second bed, a
shale is found, that makes fine fire clays. The limestone stratum
produces oolitic balls, containing more or less iron ore, known
as blue, lump ore, that has been used as material for producing
pig in the old charcoal furnaces in this section. Mixed with the
fossil shale ore, we have adverted to, a good product is obtained-
All through the sandstones in the Carboniferous period, beds of
Argillaneous iron ore can be found, which accounts for the fact,
"that iron furnaces are often placed in coal regions. Besides the
minerals enumerated, in some places, a large quantity of the
sulphate of lime exists that produces a fairly good article of
gypsum. In addition to the mineral coal, the rocks often afford
bituminous liquids, ordinarily called petroleum oil, which when
purified means kerosene. Oil wells are dug quite extensively on
the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, through this
section, and on the Ohio River Railroad, near the Pan-
handle. But in some of these places, the oil undoubtedly comes

118 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

from the Sub-carboniferous rocks, while it is not impossible for
it to come from the Devonian, and Upper Silurian periods.
Petroleum is the result of vegetable decomposition, and may
proceed from the rocks of various ages — from those of the Lower
Silurian to those of the Tertiary period. Whether or not the
Sub-carboniferous rocks that usually yield salt, or salines, are
prolific with that product in the whole section is still undeter-
mined ; but in a portion of it, along the Ohio River, salt has
been obtained in paying quantities from the clayey beds, or
niarlites, shale, and magnesium limestones of the Sub-carboni-
ferous rocks.

The rocks of this period give us a good idea of the original
formation of this section of "West Virginia. The different coal
beds show that at times the sea overflowed the region. The
marshes filled with their rank vegetation, and the shallow lakes
of the coal era, continued growing for a long period, their
growth dropping its leaves annually with its decayed stems, and
branches, until an immense bed of vegetable matter was formed,
probably many feet in thickness for one of bituminous coal. (2)
The bed of decayed vegetation thus prepared over the wet areas
of the continent commenced to undergo beneath, that slow
decomposition that is the final result of the deposit in the earth,
known as coal. But these coal beds alternate with sandstones,
shales, conglomerates, and limestones. This fact shows that the
long period of verdure, necessary to form the bed of vegetable
matter for the coal, was followed by another of overflooding
waters, which fossils prove to be of an oceanic nature, which
carried sands, pebbles, or earth over the old marsh, till scores of
of feet in depth of these deposits had been created over the
vegetable debris, where the process for decomposition necessary
to make coal went on to its completion. It was essential for the
vegetable matter to have the lifeless influence of burial, as well
as water, to favor the conditions that are necessary for the pro-
duction of coal. (3) In the upheaval ihat took place, which
formed the Appalachian range, these formations made by the
action of waters between the coal beds, became the receptacle
of the minerals we have named, giving this section of West Vir-

(2) For eight feet of vegetable formation. Mr. Dana, in his geological workt
gives one of coal. So, for the formation of the Pittsburg seam, sixty feet of
Vegetable deposit would be required.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 11 9

ginia, in the Alleghany Mountains, a veritable field of, mineral
deposits. We will now confine ourselves to the discussion of the
various classes of minerals, under the head of mineral resources
of West Virginia.

(3) Concomitant with the mineral production in a liquid shape, known as
Petroleum, in the oil region of this section, wells of Natural Gas have been
found, that are apparently inexhaustible. The gas comes from the carniferous
beds, in the Devonian age mainly, although the Sub-carboniferous rocks may
furnish some.

120 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAPTER XIII.

Mineral Resources of Central West Virginia. — Coal. — Descrip-
tion of the Territory. — Division of Same into Fields Accord-
ing to measures. — Pittsbtirg Seam of the Upper Series. The
Ohio River Field. — The Fairmount Field. — The Jackson Field.
The Clarksburg Field. — The Monglomerate Measures. — Up-
shur, Braxton, Webster, and Nicholas. — The Upper and Lower
Freeport. — The Upper, Middle, and Lower Kittanning. — The
Clarion Beds. — Camden- on- Oauley Field, with Gauley and
Flk. — West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Fields.

In the early ages of the Carboniferous period, when the
•deposit of vegetable matter was proceeding, the positions of the
great coal areas of North America were the locations of the
large marshes, and shallow fresh water lakes of the period.
But it is not to be presumed that the marshes alone were cov-
ered with verdue, for in all probability vegetation spread over
the entire surface. But the thick deposits where there were
marshes under the jungles, and the shallow lakes with their
floating islands were the regions most conducive to the reception
of the rank vegetation which afterwards produced the coal.
The State of West Virginia must have been happily situated for
the making of coal, since we find within her borders one-
thirteenth of all the coal in the United States. And this compu- '
tation is only based on surface measure without reference to
thickness. After a liberal deduction from erosion, and excluding
scams that dip under the valleys, the State possesses some 16,500
square miles of coal territory. (1) It exceeds Pennsylvania by

(1) West Virginia comes among the first States in the Union in quantity of
<coal. The following comparison gives its status in that respect :

Illinois total area, 30,000 square miles.

Iowa " " 21,000

Missouri " " 21,000

West Virginia...." " 16.500

Resources of Central West Virginia. 121

1,000 square miles, and comes next to Illinois, Iowa, and Mis-
souri. The reason the State, that in territory is much smaller
"than many others, exceeds her sisters so far in this valuable
commodity, results in a great measure from the geographical
lay of the mineral. The Appalachian field of coal, acknowl-
edged by many as the most valuable one known, covers an area
of 60,000 square miles, and is like the shape of a boat with its
widest dimensions in the centre. The section of West Virginia,
bearing coal begins on the northern lines of the State, with its
coal territory gradually broadening as it runs south, until the
widest part of the coal area is reached in that part known as
the Flat Top Field where the veins are thicker than in any other
part of the Appalacian Field.

In tracing the outcroppings of the coal of the section of
which we are writing, we find that they are extremely persist-
ent. The great Pittsburg seam, ranging from seven to eleven
feet in thickness, which has been the foundation of Pittsburg's
great growth, as well as Wheeling's rise, pursues its way onward
south through the region we have in hand. Along the banks of
the Potomac, the Monongahela, Tygart's Valley River, the West
Fork, we find that rich seam lying above water level. This seam,
as well as other measures, are a continuation of the fields in Penn-
sylvania. The Pittsburg layer, the lowest of the upper pro-
ductive measures, is found in the northern and central part of
the State, the middle coal measures in the Kanawha Valley,
and the lower coal measure in the Flat Top region. Scarcely a
State in the Union is so favored in the extent and diversity of
its coal product as West Virginia. Her coals embrace all grades
of bituminous ; steam, coking, domestic, and gas coals of the
best type. The product of the Fairmont and Monongah regions
have a coal of unusually fine qualities for both steaming and
coking purposes. The New River region is known the country
over, as producing a fine grade of coke. The extent of the coal
measures present a quantity of mineral that is sufficient to
place the State among the first in the Union in wealth. Already,
the output of the product of the mines has given West Virginia
an enviable reputation among her sister States. The Pittsburg
seam is generally above water level. The seam appears to make
a semi circle, so far as some of the counties on the Ohio are con-
cerned. Leaving the river just below Moundsville, it curves in
towai-ds the interior, excludingWetzel, Tyler, Doddridge, Ritchie,

122 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers or,

Pleasants, Wirt, Wood, Jackson, Calhoun and Roane Counties,,
coming to view again on the upper edge of Mason County,,
where the large seam of Pomeroy coal first makes its appear-
ance. But in this arc or circle bordering the Ohio River, other
seams are found. (2) This seam in the interior, follows the
Grauley, the Elk, and their tributaries, until it touches the
Kanawha region. (3) Resuming its positions east of Kanawha
River, it passes over the New River seams of coking coals, and
runs southwest to the Big Sandy Field, where it reaches its

(2) In the report of the late Prof. R. C. Taylor, taken principally from Prof.
Rodgers' work, we find the various seams classified as follows in this section of
West Virginia :

First or main seam from 5 to 9 feet.

Seconi " 3X '

Third " 5%

Fourth " 7 '

Total 25 feet.

From a careful examination there can be no doubt of the correctness of
this estimate.

(3) In the report made by the United States Government Survey for 1891,
the "Stratigraphy of the Bituminous Coal Field of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and
West Virginia,'" is treated by Israel C. White. In the treatment of this subject
the report on page TO, in speaking of what Mr. Rogers nad written on the sub-
ject of the "Barren Measures," says :

"I have adopted the name Elk River series, as a geographical designa-
tion for these beds, since they are finely exposed along that stream between
its mouth at Charleston, West Virginia, and Braxton Court House, or Sutton,
nearly one hundred miles above. ***** r/ne coai beds of this,
series are, with one or two exceptions, noted for their variableness and uncer-
tainty."

If in the treatment of this subject, the report has followed Prof. Rogers'
closely as to this Elk region, then the latter is as misleading as the
former. We would not care on our own opinion to differ with, or dissent from
a geological survey, unless facts warranted it. In that case duty to the section
demands it. Part of these very measures, characterized by Prof. White as
barren, and lying along Elk, have the finest coal in them. Mr. Harris S-
Daddow, than whom a better geologist and mining engineer cannot be found,
in a report made not for any governmental survey, but for the purposes of
knowledge, writes :

"Coal River, Elk River, and Gauley diverge from the Great Kanawha, and
spread their branches over one of the richest and most magnificent coal regions-
in the world, and bring down their wealth to one common centre on the Great
Kanawha; or, such might, and may be the result under future developments."

Added to authority such as that, practical tests in the way of openings to
which we now allude, show the correctness of Daddow's position. In a section
of the measures known as "Barren," or the "Elk series," as named in the
report of the Government Survey, several openings show some splendid seams
of coal, and are greater in thickness than the New River series by actual
measurement. The interruption of the seams by upheaval in the 'Elk series,"'
did not destroy them, nor yet render the section so wanting in coal, as to b&
characterized "barren." Some fine coal lies just as stated by Mr. Daddow.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 123

final end, vanishing over Kentucky's hills. The seam of the
coal here is of the same measure as that of the Fairmount,
Monongah, and Clarksburg regions. For a more lucid account,
"we will divide this territory into fields, giving names to desig-
nate them. A seriatim discussion of these fields with analysis,
will give an idea of the coal. (4)

THE OHIO RIVER FIELD.

Wood, Jackson, and Mason, compose the territory of this
section, along the Ohio River. While the Alleghany Mountains
proper, with their spurs and sub-spurs, descend into hills and
ridges when the Ohio is nearly reached, they still contain some
deposits of coal. As the Ohio River was the principal mode of
transportation for these counties before the construction of
railroads, this section was probably the first opened up in the
way of mining coal. From Pittsburg southward, the coal
extends down the Ohio River, by Wheeling, and thence through
Ohio and Marshall. Here, the best groups of coal appear to
make a semi-circle away from the Ohio River, excluding Wood,
Jackson, and a part of Mason from the thicker seams, which
come to the Ohio River again at the upper edge of Mason, where
the large Pomeroy seam makes its appearance. (5) The Ohio
River Railroad has two branches — one leaving the Main Line,
running through the northern part of Jackson County to
Spencer in Roane County ; another, through the southern part
of the same county, going as far as Ripley, the county seat of
Jackson. Both' of these adjuncts bring out coal from the
interior. In Mason County, the sections of country around
Clifton, and thence southward, are embraced in the seams run-
ning north from the Kanawha region. The quality of this coal

(4) We are aware of the fact that the area of coal territory in West
Virginia is estimated at between fifteen and sixteen thousand square miles.
But after a careful research we feel safe in putting' it at sixteen thousand five
hundred miles. We are not alone in our figures. The most satisfactory report
ever made specifically on the subject of West Virginia's coal area, was written
by Prof. Harris S. Daddow, a geologist and mining engineer from Pennsylva-
nia. He writes :

"West Virginia contains a larger portion of the Alleghany coal field than
any of the States. Over sixteen thousand square miles of this great coal field lie
in Western and Eastern Virginia. Of this area, however, only a few miles
exist in Old Virginia, on the eastern edge of the field in the southwest— perhaps
less than one hundred and fifty square miles of available coal. But the best
and most available portion of the Alleghany coal-field lies in West Virginia,
and the greater portion of its vast area, is naturally opened to development by
the numerous streams which traverse its face from east to west."

124 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

compares favorably with that of the rest of the section, and is of
a bituminous nature, good for steaming, and domestic purposes.
(61 It does not run sufficiently high in fixed carbon for the
production of coke. In the semi circle we have named, from
which the thickest veins are excluded, the seams range from
eighteen inches to four-and-a-half feet in Wood and Jackson
Counties until the fine seam of Pomero}' coal is touched at the
uppei edge of Mason

FAIRMOUXT FIELD.

This section includes what is now known too, as the "Monon-
gah Field '' It is without any doubt, one of the finest coal fields
in the State of West Virginia. This field includes, properly
speaking, all of Marion County, and the northern portion of
Harrison, until the Clarksburg Fields, on the east of the Monon-
gahela, and the Jackson Field on the west are reached just
north of Lumberport. The reputation of the gas coals from
this field is quite extensive, and throughout the region the
large Pittsburg seam, the most reliable, and persistent of the
whole group, can be seen outcroping above water-level on the
sides of all the hills. Practical demonstration, as well as-
analytical tests, grade the coal in this field with that of the Flat
Top region. Prof. Rogers regarded this deposit, identical with
the Pittsburg seam, tracing it as far south as Clarksburg, and
pronounced it one of the richest deposits in the State. One
ol the main seams measures from ten to twelve feet in thickness,
while the average thickness is eight feet. Below the thicker
seams, with a strata of sandstone intervening, is found a thinner
layer of coal, that is highly bituminous. Around Fairmount,
Monongah, and other places, extensive mining operations have
been entered into, and large shipments are sent East, yet
scarcely an impression has been made on the main body of the:

(5) The Ohio River Railroad carried over its line, for the year ending June
30, 1893, 70,361 tons of coal. The greater part is shipped by water transportation.

(6) An average test of this coal, analytically, shows it is sufficient in fixed
carbon for both steaming, and domestic purposes. From average samples,
taken from the section, we have the following results:

Fixed carbon 46.30

Volatile matter 43.29

Water 1.20

Ash 9.30.

This analysis was made by C. E. Dwight, and is correct.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 125

coal. These valuable seams may be traced northward into the
region towards Pittsburg, and as far south as Mt. Clare in
Harrison County. All along the Monongahela River Railroad,
and on the hills bordering the river of the same name, this
larger Pittsburg seam "with other groups of coal crop out,
enabling a person to put out his hand and touch them. The
quality of the coal in this field has been proven far superior
than was first thought. When the product was taken out in
the beginning, an opinion prevailed that it was not sufficiently
high in fixed carbon to produce coke. This idea arose from the
fact some analysis made, put the fixed carbon much lower
than it should have been. (7) Instead of running 53.48 in fixed
carbon as once determined, it should have been, 60.54. On a fair
practical test, the coal produced a fine coke, throwing this field
first in rank in West Virginia as an all-around coal for coking*
domestic, steaming and gas purposes. Many mines are in opera,
tion in this field from which a large product is drawn around
Fairmount by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company
and by the Monongahela River Railroad Company at Monon-
gah and other points. A large quantity of this coal goes to
Eastern cities for gas purposes, and gives satisfaction.

THE JACKSON COAL- FIELD,

Proceeding south by way of the Monongahela River, some
miles above the Fairmount and Monongah Fields, the stream

(7) The first analysis made of these coals, from samples taken from Monon-
gah, gave the following results :

Fixed carbon 53.48

Vol. matter 3t5.92

Water 1.42

Sulphur 0.71

Ash 4.51

This analysis was made by Mr. Andrew S. McCreath. He made this as an
analysis to compare with that of the Flat Top Field along the Norfolk and
Western Railroad, which corporation engaged him to make a report for their
fields. We do not for an instant mean to assert; that the position occupied by
him, influenced him in the least, but a subsequent analysis carefully prepared,
shows this to have been a mistake. Following are the proper results from this
coal:

Carbon .60.55

Volatile matter 37.34

Ash 2.14

In this reduction both water and sulphur are. included in the impurities
under the bead of volatile matter.

126 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

•divides two magnificent coal fields extending for miles on the
river. The country on the west side of the Monongahela, is
called the Jackson Field. (8) For many reasons this is probably one
•of the most valuable deposit of the celebrated Pittsburg seam.
Bordering the Monongahela River for miles, the field stretches
"westward some fifteen miles, over a rolling country, abounding
with beautiful ridges and succulent valleys. In addition to
having this fine seam of coal through the whole field, nature
.seems to have smiled upon the section with a natural drainage
of creeks and brooks for easy and cheap mining, as well as
beauty of scenery. The whole field is drained by Big Stone
Creek, Little Stone, Jones1 Run, Nolan's Run, and Robinson's
Run with their tributaries. The valleys and ridges made by
these water courses, give the great Pittsburg seam, opportuni.
ties for outcropping that are simply superb. The outcrops of
the seam of coal, ranging every where from seven to nine feet
in thickness, can be seen all along the ridges, sufficiently high
to be free from water, yet low enough to be mined by means of a
side entry, or tunnel, and tipple over the car. While the field has
never been mined, and the thousands of acres of coal lie in their
virgin state, entries have been made in the seam along all the
ridges that give a good view of the deposit of the mineral.
From openings made in this field, on opposite sides of the hills,
it is perfectly apparent that the seam is persistent through the
whole field. The fine agricultural country running over the
surface, gives an inviting aspect to the view. The seam runs
horizontally through the ground without anticlinal ridges, or
synclinal troughs, with a solid average thickness of eight feet.
In all its native wealth, it lies untouched, and to the first one
developing it, must come the wealth of a large return. In

(8) This Held takes its name from Mr. T. Moor." Jackson, of Clarksburg,
West Virginia. In the development of his native State he has done much for
iier success, while bettering his own condition. He comes of the old Jackson
family, among the earliest settlers here. His grandfather, Judge Jackson,
^vas a distinguished citizen, occupying a high official position, and a friend of
Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Calhoun, and others. T. Moore Jackson's grand-
lather on his maternal side was Return Jonathan Meigs, Governor of Ohio, and
after whom Meigs County was named. Mr. Jackson was at one time Professor
of Civil Engineering at the University of West Virginia in Morgantown. Sub-
sequently he located the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad that was to extend
in this section. He is not only a person of energy in pushing the resources of
his State to the front, but the best practical geologist within her borders. His
profession of engineering, coupled with a knowledge of geology, has given him
a ripened judgment on the resources of West Virginia.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 127

formation, it resembles more clearly the lower measures of the
Flat Top Field, than any we know of, except that of Senator
Camden's just opposite this, on the east side of the river. The
quality is unusually good. It is of the same grade as the
Fairmount region, being part of the identical seam, except it
will average more in thickness at this point, and is a shade
higher in carbon. (9) This coal on an assay, presented a degree
of lowness in sulphur and ash, almost incredible when compared
with the regions around, but renewed reductions confirmed the
first figures as to its purity in that respect. The only account-
able reason for this state of affairs is the marked absence of
pyrites of iron, and the further fact that when the vegetable
matter forming the deposit was made, it must have been peculi-
arly free at this point from all impurities, that generate sulphur
and ash. The propinquity of this field to the railroad and the
village of Lumberport ; the fact it is in a virgin state, render
it one of the most valuable fields for future development that
we know of.

CLARKSBURG FIELD.

Along the east bank of the Monongahela River, opposite the
town of Lumberport, and some nine miles north of Clarksburg,
lies another fine coal field, comprising the immense area of Sena-
tor Camden's lands, running for miles along his road, and the
coal fields in the vicinity of Clarksburg. This region is properly
known as the Clarksburg Field. It is but a continuation of the
main Pittsburg seam, ranging from s jven to nine feet in thick-
ness. The Monongahela River Railroad, running along the
banks of the river of the same name, exhibits the seam where
ever a cut has been made. It is persistent, uniform, and thick,
showing the immense deposits that lay imbedded in the hills,
and mountains nearby. A great deal of this coal field has been
opened up, especially around Clarksburg, and a number of
ovens constructed for the purposes of burning coke. This coal
is found in all the hills and ridges throughout the field, and is a

(9) A carefully prepared analysis o? samples taken from Jones' Run, Rolr
inson's Run, and Prospect Valley, gives this result :

Fixed carbon 01.40

Volatile matter 35.57

Water O.IJT

Sulphur 1.51

Ash 1.21

128 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

continuation of the Fairmount, and Monongah coal territory,
and the Pittsburg seam, in all its thickness. In quality, it is
good, making a fine product for steaming, domestic, and coking
purposes. (10) This field near that of the Jackson territory,
runs low in sulphur and ash, yet, from a sample taken directly
in the vicinity of Clarksburg, the ash ran up as high as 1.58.
Shipments are being made from this field East, and the coals
bear a high reputation for both steaming and gas purposes. So
much for the continuation of the Pittsburg seam north of
Clarksburg. Ascending the West Fork River, south of Clarks-
burg some eight or nine mdes, we have another strong outcrop
of this persistent seam, in the section of country near Mt. Clare
Station, on the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. And it
is not until we reach this section of Central West Virginia, that
the Pittsburg seam shows signs of leaving its solid thickness,
that it has horizontally maintained since it crossed the northern
borders of the State. While this coal shows well near Mt. Clare,
and presents some superior points in quality, we have the anti-
clinal ridges and synclinal troughs in the seam of coal. These
appearances are not noticed north of Clarksburg, except slightly,
and disappear altogether before reaching Lumberport, nine
miles north of Clarksburg. At Mt. Clare the coal, while laying
in folds, is quite persistent, and extends into the ridges east and
west, the stratum running in synclinal troughs northwest and
southeast, the folds running almost southeast and northwest.
These folds, as far back as one thousand feet underground, show
a thickness of solid coal from eight to nine feet in thickness.
The troughs show a thickness from three to five feet. The coal
is mined with unusually little cost, because but little blasting is
required. The seam is cut under and the block above brought
down with a great deal of ease. The coal is of a bituminous
nature.

Various degress of thickness are found in the solid coal in
the folds between the troughs. At one point it was nine feet
three inches, at another eight feet seven inches, at another

(10) From samples taken from the main seam, we have the following
analytical results:

Fixed carbon 58.00

Volatile matter 38.00

Water 1.50

Sulphur.. 1.50

Ash 0.20

Resources of Central West Virginia. 129

seven feet three inches, and from an underground examination
it appears that the quantity is large. It is impossible to calcu-
late the quantity in the measure of this coal ; but the stratum
extends along the northeastern base for many miles. It is not
impossible for the coal measures to run out in this stratum, into
slates and clay ; but from the angle of dip of some of the south-
western measures, we feel satisfied there are breaks in the coal
measure proper. It is contended by some, that the dip is no
instance of the measure running out, but evidence of the fact
that the measure runs far below the surface, going many hun-
dred feet under breaks and faults (known as valleys) and appear"
ing in a hill beyond. But in this section, whenever there is a
fault or valley, there is not only a break in the coal measure
proper, but in the stratum itself, for on the base of these hills the
measure runs out to be picked up on the coal stratum on the next
hill.

And proceeding southward into Lewis, Upshur, and Brax-
ton Counties the measure becomes less and less, in point of
thickness. The reader should not infer from this discussion
that those counties named are not well supplied with coal*
They have seams of coal, but after leaving Mt. Clare, the seam
continues to become thinner. But the coal at this point is very
superior in quality. It seems to be an ascertained fact, that the
smaller seams, are at times much better in quality. This is
apparent from the New River region where they are rarely over
four feet in thickness. This seam may be seen cropping out
farther south through Lewis County, until Braxton, Upshur,
Webster, and Randolph are reached, when we have another
series of coal with which to deal. Through Randolph,
Webster, and Nicholas Counties, the conglomerate rocks
contain a workable seam of fairly good coking coal, that lies in
the lower portion of the series. This coal may be seen around
Camden-on-Grauley in Webster, and increases in thickness as it
runs southward through Webster and Nicholas Counties.

COVE RUX FIELD.

But probably among the most important measures of coal
in West Virginia, may be classed the Upper, and Lower Free-
ports, Upper Kittanning, Middle, and Lower Kittanning, and
Clarion coal beds. Entering West Virginia from Pennsylvania,
on the northern edge of the State, the Upper Freeport, and

130 Heritage of the Trans-AUeghany Pioneers, orr

Lower Kittanning, classed locally as the "Austin1' coking coal,
and the "Newburg shaft,1' crop out as they go southward
through Taylor, Barbour, Randolph, Braxton, Webster, Nich-
olas, and Clay Counties. In the eastern portion of the Appa-
lachian range, these coals come to the surface, while on the
western range they appear along the uplift known as "volcano,"
in Wirt and Wood Counties. Among the most valuable of these
seams, is that lying in Barbour County, West Virginia, near
Cove Run, on the Grafton and Greenbriar Division of the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad. Throughout this region this Freeport
measure makes a fine showing, cropping out on most of the hills
and ridges between Cove Run and what is known as the old
"Valley Furnace." In both Taylor and Barbour Counties this-
seam is quite persistent, and exists in many places in fair work-
ing quantities. Near Cove Run, already named, the coal shows
up finely, and runs almost in a horizontal manner through the
ridges, ranging from four to seven feet in thickness. The open-
ings made show that this measure extends throughout all the
ranges of ridges in this tract of land and the quantity is
immense. Throughout this area of country, which is composed
largely of ridges, with small faults, a solid layer of this highly
bituminous coal is deposited, that can be seen, and to a certain
extent calculated in quantity, from the openings made. This
coal is as pure and available for all the requirements of trade
and manufacture as any in this country and has no superior as a
domestic, steaming and coking coal. The lay of the measure is
such as to render mining both cheap and expeditious, while it is
located above water level, giving the floors of the mines almost
perfect dryness. The coal is gotten out by means of tunneling
into the side of the hill, with location for tipples almost directly
at the drift-mouth. Coal has been taken from this measure,
and a fair estimate of mining and loading may be said to cost
thirty-five cents per ton. From an analysis, they possess suffi-
cient fixed carbon for coking purposes. (11) In addition to the

(11) Prof. Rodgers in his report on the coal in this section gives the follow-
ing- analysis, that is correct as to the average:

Fixed carbon 56.71

Volatile matter 41.66

Ashes 1.60

Immediately on Tygart's Valley River, near Cove Run, the coal runs higher
in fixed carbon.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 131

bituminous coal, Barbour County has cannel coal, that has been
tested and proven superior. This measure extends also into
Randolph, as we have seen, although the seams are by no means
so thick. In this same series the Pickens Field is located, that
is at present the terminus of the Southeastern Branch of the
West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. In this section a good
grade of cannel coal has been found, and is said to be in quanti-
ties sufficient for working purposes.

CAMDK2f-ON-GAULEY FIELD,

with tributaries of Elk, and Gauley River, present some good
coal territory even if a portion of the section does come within
the region known as the "barren measures:1' And though the
"barren measures" have been located in the region bordering on
the Elk, nowhere in the State is the wealth of coal so conspicu-
ously exposed as on the banks and bluffs of this stream. In the
neighborhood of Sutton, in Braxton County, ninety miles from
its mouth the banks are only. ten or fifteen feet high, yet, on
reaching the line of Clay County, they range from three hun-
dred to three hundred and fifty feet in height. In these ravines
coal seams lay bare for miles in extent. Just below the mouth
of Birch, on Duck, Tate, and O'Brien Creeks, the best of two or
three workable seams of good splint coal is eight feet. Cannel
coal is here too, splitting the bituminous vein in two, then
giving out to reappear down in the same peculiar form. Near
Clay Court House, and for fifteen miles below, seams ranging
from five to eight feet can be found, that are good coal. An
unusually large vein of cannel coal is opened at Queen's Shoal,
below Clay Court House. This entire region is one of great
wealth, so far as coal is concerned. In Webster County, on the
Gauley River, near Camden-on-Gauley, seams of bituminous
coal range, that run from three and a-half to five feet in thick-
ness, and these increase as we proceed southward. The coals in
this immediate section do not range as high as the others we
have named, in fixed carbon, yet they make good steaming and
domestic coals, and will do for a medium grade of coke.

FIELDS ALONG WEST VIRGINIA CENTRAL AND PITTSBURG R. R.

Through the section of Central West Virginia, that runs
through the western part of the Alleghany Mountains lie the

132 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

coal fields along the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg
Railroad that are among the most profitable, and prolific in the
State. As a domestic, steaming, and coking coal, the product
of this field has no superior anywhere, for the ''Cumberland
coals, " now possess a national reputation everywhere. The
fields throughout this district, are popularly known as the
Cumberland and Piedmont, Upper Potomac, Elk Garden, and
Roaring Creek. At Elk Garden, the famous Davis mines are
situated that yield a large output. This coal is peculiar in the
way it lies geologically. In the great upheaval that occurred
ages ago, the coal seams were uplifted with the remaining
strata, and in the Elk Garden Field lies almost on the top of the
Alleghanies. The seams range from seven to ten feet of solid
coal, and lie in immense quantities. (12) Many mines have been
opened, and are profitably worked. Descending the Alleghany
Mountains on the southern side, from Elk Garden regions, we
pass into the coal fields beyond Elkins, bordering Tygart's
Valley River, between the latter town and Belington. Here the
fields are possessed of immense quantities. On a small stream
known as Roaring Creek, running westward for miles, is an oval

(12) From the following- statement, it will be seen that the shipments of
coal are large. Yet the quantity is undiminished, and the vast deposit along-
Roaring- Creek, near Tyg-art's Valley River, is virtually untouched:

Statement of Coal Shipments from Mines on line of road and on Cumberland and
Pennsylvania Railway during the Six Months ended June 30, 1892.

From Elk Garden Mine 18=3,715

Davis and Elkins Mine 32,360

Atlantic Mine 25,361

Virginia Mine

Hampshire Mine 4,238

Switch-back Mine 20,410

Big Vein Mine 1,812

Total from Elk Garden Region 267,892 tons.

From Spring Garden Mine

Fairfax Mine 355

Bayard Mine 257

Thomas Mine 43.120

Davis Mine 56,572

Douglas Mine 31,577

Total from Upper Potomac Region 131,881 tons.

From Junior Coal Co's Mine (.Belington Extension) 363

Total from W. Va. Central and Pittsburg Ry. 400.136 tons.

From Merrill Mine, Piedmont and Cumberland Ry

Maryland Union Coal Co., C. & F. Ry 4,038

Piedmont Cumberland Coal Co., C. & P. Ry 4869

Total from Cumberland & Pennsylvania Ry — 8907

Total Gross Tons from all Mines 409,043 tons.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 133

basin composed of vales, and graded ridges. The deposits at
this particular point are prolific in the extreme. Two distinct
seams of bituminous coal lay throughout the section. The
lower one is some nine feet thick of bituminous coal, running
low in sulphur and ash. Above this lower seam some one
hundred and fifty feet, is a second, ranging from four to five feet
in thickness. A 'branch road is now being constructed up
Roaring Creek, and as yet this field is untouched. One or two
mines have been opened, that show the coal in its native state,
giving one an idea of its thickness, and the large deposit. (13)
This whole trend of coal, along the West Virginia Central and
Pittsburg Railroad is a part of the celebrated coal fields running
from the north, through Pennsylvania, and through the sixteen
thousand square miles of coal territory in West Virginia. The
whole field is one of the richest, and most valuable in West
Virginia. Practical use has demonstrated the superior quality
of the field for all purposes.

(13) The geological structure around Roaring Creek, shows that in the
ages when the vegetable deposit was being made that formed this coal, this
immediate section was a jungle of great depth. Through oceanic action, the
rocks between the upper and lower seams were formed. During the vegetable
period of the first formation, much more time elapsed than during the second-
That accounts for the difference in thickness of the two seams.

134 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAPTER XIV.

Mineral Resources of West Virginia Continued. — Petroleum. —
Oil Wells of this Region. — Sister smile. Eureka-Belmont. —
Marion County Oil Field. — Production at the Present Time.
Natural Gas. — Salt Region in this Section.

What is the origin of petroleum, commonly known as kero-
sene oil in its refined state ? More than one person has asked
this question, and hundreds have tried to answer it satisfactorily.
Among the latter may be named Berthelot, the French chemist,
and Doctor Mendelejeff, a renowned mineralogist of St. Peters-
burg. Both agree that the substance is produced by the action
of chemical force on inorganic matter, and enter gravely into
the discussion of the existence of the alkali metals, potassium
and sodium in the interior of the earth in a free, or uncombined
state, and at high temperature. If surface water carrying
carbonic acid in solution should find access to these metals in
these conditions, chemical reactions could easily take place, by
which certain of the hydro-carbons would be generated. But
neither seem perfectly clear how the process goes on that makes
petroleum, so we turn to the geologists, and Mr. Dana, chief
among them, informs us that : "Petroleum is a result of the
decomposition of vegetable substances." He, too, is silent as to
how ! It proceeds from rocks of various ages, from those of the
Lower Silurian period, to those of the Tertiary age. "The
earliest springs affording a large supply of oil come from the
Corniferous beds (Devonian), as at Enniskillen in Canada." (1)

But whatever may be the doubts as to how petroleum
originated, there is one subiect on which there is no doubt.
This section of West Virginia has petroleum. And the quantity
discovered in the three principal fields : Sistersville, Eureka-
Belmont, and Marion County, has brought in that national
syndicate, the Standard Gil Company to work out its product,
giving this State the reputation of being one of the best oil

l ) Dana's Mineralogy. Page 24»

Resources of Central West Virginia. 135

fields in the country. From statistics we will show later on, a
large quantity is now pumped out, and shipped both by rail and
pipe to the various refineries, and distributing tanks, where it is
barreled and sold. During the late civil war, when the sulphur-
ous smoke of undue excitement subsided, the only profitable
wells were found to range in what is known as the valcano
uplift, a narrow strip of country running through the Counties
of Wirt, Ritchie, Wood, and Pleasants, embracing the localities
that have since become famous under the names of Oil Rock,
Standing Stone, California, Laural Fork, Oil Spring Run, Gale's
Fork, Horseneek, and Rawson's Run. The theory that the oil
might be found in West Virginia, as well as Pennsylvania was test-
ed, and after many losses in investigations, with some fortunes
made, the three fields which we have named were discovered and
put in operation, that have given West Virginia a justly cele-
brated reputation for oil. Up to the year 1889, the oil magnates
paid no serious attention to West Virginia on this subject, but
during that period, almost a bright revolution took place in oil
history, This marked the opening of Dall's Run, Mannington,
and Eureka. These discoveries caused the Standard Oil Com-
pany to recognize that the Mountain State would in the future
be the centre of oil operations for that company. This company
has purchased, and leased hundreds of thousands of acres of oil
territory to await their future developments. The Sistersville
Field has come into prominence, so West Virginia stands to-day
among the oil-producing States of the Union.

The territory of the oil fields in "West Virginia may be said
to be divided into four districts known as the Turkey Foot
district in Hancock County, a continuation of the Pennsylvania
oil fields ; the Mt. Morriss district, including the Wells of
Monongalia, and Marion County ; the Volcano and Eureka
•districts in Ritchie and Wood Counties, as well as Pleasants,
and the old Burning Springs district in Wirt County. In the
Turkey Foot, Mt. Morriss, and Burning Springs districts, the
entire production is classed as illuminating oil, while of the
Volcano and Eureka districts, the greater part is illuminating,
and the rest lubricating. The question has often been asked,
.can oil be found in other parts of the State aside from the
districts wo have named ? This is a difficult question to answer
without practical test. But as this oil region possesses a strata
peculiarly its own, with its vertical rocks and uplifted surface,

136 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

we naturally conclude such a position geologically is happily
situated for the production of the crude stuff. Still, it is not
impossible for it to exist elsewhere, as it is found in this region
in the carboniferous rocks, for in most of the producing wells of
Volcano, and Burning Springs districts the oil is found near the
top of the carboniferous rocks. At all events, these oil districts
produce an immense quantity, and every available foot in the
territory wherever wells have been sunk is used. Even the
space in the church yards is utilized. (2)

The results from the traffic in oil built up fortunes for a good
many, and led others less fortunate to endeavor to "strike oil."
Many places outside of the known petroleum territory were
explored, and many fortunes sunk. A craze for some time
seemed to have seized many, and as is usually the case in such
instances, the excitement drowned the better judgment of peo-
ple. Still, a large quantity is being annually shipped, or run by
means of pipes to various points. (3) The purchase of addi-
tional fields by the various syndicates lately investing in oil will

(2) In the work entitled: "Mountain State," descriptive of the resources
of West Virginia, which was written and compiled by Mr. George W. Summers'"
B. Ph., the following is written on page 77 :

"In these producing fields, the derricks stand in every yard and street
corner, and even the property devoted to religious worship is not free from
them. One small struggling church in an oil town, leased its property for an
oil well, and now derives enough revenue from the well in its back yard to
build a handsome house of worship, and still to keep the treasury replenished."

(3) In the statistics here given as to the production of oil, we are satisfied
they are low— may be less than is really produced. We desire to be in this, as
in all things else, really conservative :

No. of Barrels. Value.

Turkey Foot 199,460 1243,192

Mount Morriss 174,758 194,949

Volcano and Eureka. 165,735 211,926

Burning Springs 4,160 4,160

Total 544,113 1653,827

The above includes both illuminating and lubricating oils. But the quan-
tity of the former is much larger than that of the latter, as 23,602 was the num-
ber of barrels produced of lubricating oil. The number of persons employed
in this industry may be imagined, when we know that $1,060,935 is invested in
tanks, rigs, and wells alone. This amount does not touch a cent of the capital
placed in the lease and purchase of oil territory.

(4) In speaking of oil in West Virginia, Prof. I. C. White, in a speech on the
subject made at Charleston, West Virginia, some two years ago, said :

"Tt is my firm belief that this great oil belt, which has come down to our
State through a distance of two hundred miles will extend clear across the-
same from Hancock to Logan. * * * * The gas wells at Warneld,

Resources of Central West Virginia. 137

greatly increase the output, to say nothing of the develop-
ment of the territory owned by the "Standard Oil Company."
The quality of the petroleum is superior, and the illuminating
oil is from 36 to 4213 gravity, the lightest grades being pumped
from the deepest wells."

NATURAL GAS.

Of all the discoveries in West Virginia among the mineral
resources, natural gas has been one of the most important.
Whatever the origin of petroleum may be, that product and gas
have a common one. Wherever the one is found, the other is
sure to be seen, for it is not an uncommon instance for oil wells
to be checked in the production of oil by escaping gas appear-
ing on the scene. We are inclined to think that both members
belong to that most wonderful series of chemical compounds
known as the paraffins, of which paraffin wax may be regarded
as a representative of the solid portion of the series, petroleum
of the liquid part, and natural gas as the known gaseous mem-
ber. Although natural gas has been found in the strata of every
geological age, from the drift down to the potsdam, it has been
chiefly in the Trenton limestone of Ohio, and the paleozoic
strata of the upper coal measures of Pennsylvania that the
great deposits of natural gas have been struck. The highest
stratum in which any considerable quantity of gas has been
found in Pennsylvania is the liomewood sandstone, the first of
the three known members of the Pottsville conglomerate. In
this section of West Virginia, after a careful and painstaking
investigation, we feel safe in asserting, although not agreed to
by all, that the supply of natural gas comes either from the
upper rocks of the Carboniferous age, or the corniferous beds of
the Devonian. The character of those rocks, and the propin-
quity of gas to petroleum, render the assertion the most reason-
able and warranted of all.

The advantages of natural gas as a fuel cannot be apprecia-
ted until it is used. It revolutionizes other methods of heating

on the Big Sandy, and those at Burning- Springs, above this city, complete the
chain of evidence that the oil-belt will extend entirely across our area from
the Pan- Handle to Kentucky, for wherever the gas occurs the heavier fluid is
not far away. How much of luxury, and comfort, this underground wealth
will bring to the homes of our State no man can estimate, but our future in
this respect could not be brighter."

Prof. White's knowledge on the subject of oil, coupled with his practical
success, entitles his opinion to the highest weight.

J-38 Jhritaije of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

houses and buildings. It relegates the expense of kindling
wood, coal, dust, and the labor of making fires, to the history of
the past. With the same facility that a gas jet may be lighted,
a fire of gas may be started, throwing out its genial rays at once.
The warmth may be regulated day and night, and a continual
glow of the smallest dimentions sustained that may be increased
in a second. Of course, wherever natural gas is found it super-
cedes wood, or coal, for fuel, and the superiority of this mode of
heat is appealing so strongly to people at large, that once accus-
tomed to it, they are loth to give it urj. The cost of heating an
ordinary room is very reasonable, and this mode of warming is
ready for the sudden changes of temperature that frequently
happen in the mountains. The question of supply has already
become a matter of discussion, and while there is no danger of
West Virginia's running short in this commodity at present, if
the supply of the natural product should become insufficient, it
would be replaced by the manufacturers of gas from coal for all
purposes. When all things are taken into consideration —
trouble, cleanliness, saving of labor, and cost, gas is the most
sensible method of producing heat, and by far the most popular.
The idea, that its heat is too dry, or unhealthy, is entirely erro-
neous, since practical experience has tested that subject.

The regions in West Virginia most prolific in gas are those
from which petroleum and salt have been discovered. In the
territory known as the "Volcano Uplift,'" where many of the
best oil regions are located, natural gas comes in abundance.
Wheeling, Sistersville, Parkersburg, Clarksburg, Weston, Fair-
mount, and Morgantown, enjoy the use of natural gas alike, all
of which cities lie either in the oil-belt, or directly on its borders.
So far, the quantity appears practically inexhaustible, and if the
theory of continued generation is true, then the supply is more
than likely to continue for a great while. New wells are being
opened constantly ; new fields tapped, and so far as human
investigation can go, with logical results attached, Prof. White's
opinion of the field extending from Hancock to Logan must be
correct. He doubtless bases his admirable opinion on the exten-
sion of the oil stratum proper, and surely if such is proven, gas
may be found at any location within its limit. We know that
gas is prolific in the Kanawha region, some two hundred miles
south of the Volcano district, which goes a long way to substan-
tiate Prof. White's opinion. Natural gas is one of West Vir"

Resources of Central West Virginia. 139

ginia's greatest products, and one of which she may justly feel
proud.

SALINE MATTER, OR SALT.

Natural gas in West Virginia, appears to be intimately con-
nected in some way with the salt-bearing territory. Generally,
drilling and tubing is continued until a gas vent is struck below,
which, rushing upwards with great velocity not only forces the
saline liquid into the receiving vessels with a continuous flow,
but under mechanical control, is made to serve the purpose of
fuel in the evaporation. This economical feature is not found
in any other salt fields except in this State, and the presence of
the gas, that is utilized in evaporation, saves a considerable
item of expense in the way of coal. Before the discovery of the
gas, the brine was pumped up by horse or steam power. Sor
natural gas serves a double purpose here.

Hitherto, the salt works of Mason County on the Ohio, and
those of the Kanawha region were the principal ones, and the
only territory in which it was thought salt could be mined in
West Virginia with profit. True it is, both at Bulltown in
Braxton County, as well as Addison in Webster, salt was mined
to a certain extent before the war, but the inaccessibility of
markets, and absence of transportation facilities rendered this
industry so precarious it had to be discontinued. Inasmuch as
the Kanawha, and Ohio fields, produced the only commercial
salt in West Virginia, the idea prevailed that those were the
only salt-bearing regions in the section, that were profitable.
But we are sure this idea is erroneous, from these facts : the
salt-bearing sandstone formation does not end in the territory
we have named, but is more extensive. By deflection from its
general level, the salt-bearing section comes nearer the sur-
face at the Kanawha salines, than in any other section of
the valley. Throughout the salt-bearing sandstones, gas bub-
bles may be seen coming up through the very beds of streams ;
and along the banks, the same phenomena may be observed.
The most remarkable of these is apparent in Elk River, at a spot
called: "The End of the World'' bend, half-a-mile below the
mouth of O'Byren's Creek, in Clay County, where a cluster of
gas springs, of nearly one-sixth an acre in extent, is boiling up
through the bed of the river near its northern bank. And when
from drought, the waters are very low, this gas can be ignited

140 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

from a flame, flashing with great rapidity from bubble to bubble
across the whole cluster. At Duffield's bend a similar phenom-
enon is apparent. Three jets can be seen up the Elk, as high as
Sutton, and around Addison in Webster County. So we may
reasonably conclude that the saline may be found at various
points in the salt-bearing sandstone, though of course deeper at
some points than at others, where deflection has not taken place.
A thorough test would reveal the theory advanced by us as
entirely correct. The production of salt, while a pretty industry
in this State, has by no means reached its full capacity, for
many more thousands of dollars could be profitably invested in
this State in the full development of the product. We feel
certain that both Braxton and Webster Counties could be made
to yield their quota of this valuable mineral, from the salt-
bearing sandstones running through their territory, in the belt
already discussed. (5)

From the slight discussion of this oil, gas, and salt region,
which appears to be formed geologically, so that it shall bear
those three products, two facts are self-evident. That running
from the northern part of West Virginia, as if a continuation of
the field of Pennsylvania is a strip of country crossing West
Virginia from north to south ; that in this territory, petroleum,
natural gas, and saline liquids are found. The further fact may
be relied upon, that this is a territory rich in the three minerals
"we have been discussing, which are liable to be found, or dis-
covered anywhere in this horizon. And we feel safe in asserting
that the future will bring forth some wonderful developments
yet in oil, natural gas, and salt.

(5) From an investigation, the following- compiled tables give an idea of
salt production in West Virginia, in the section we are writing- of:

No. Mines. Amount of Product per month.

13 160.000 bushels.

A capital of a million dollars is invested in these mines, and the returns in
some instances are large.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 141

CHAPTER XV.

Mineral Resources of Central West Virginia Continued. —
Metallic Ores : Iron and Plumbago.— Rocks : Grey, Blue and
Pink Sandstones. — Grit Rocks. — Similar Resemblance to
Buhr 'stones. — Limestone. — Marble. — Gypsum.

Very niuch has been written and said on the subject of West
Virginia's iron ores that is misleading. They have been either
overrated as to purity' or detracted from as to value — so
much so, we approach this branch of West Virginia's mineral
resources, fully sensible of the burden placed upon us. In
everything connected with the region of which we are writing,
it is our desire and intention to deal impartially with it, giving
full credit where it is due, yet never over-rating the value of
anything. Those who have discussed the iron ores have upon
one hand asserted that they ran as high as eighty per cent, in
metallic iron in some instances, while on the other, it has been
contended they were so high in phosphorous, that the iron
produced was not of good quality. A careful examination of
this field in comparison with the New River — Cripple Creek
region in Virginia, as well as the Alleghany section proper, in
both States, has led us to the opinion that an extreme view has
been taken as to their proper value, in both cases. (1) It is not

(1) In Mr. J. H. Diss Debar's Hand Book, published on the resources of
West Virginia, in 1870, he writes as follows, concerning iron ore, Pages 136-137 :

"The mineral of industrial value most abundant in West Virginia, is iron,
which is almost co-extensive with coal, though not present in seams quite aa
thick, or as numerous. Iron ore is so generally prevalent in various forms
throughout the State, that it would probably be more difficult to surmise where,
it is not, than where it may be found. ***** From the Coal
River Region across the Great Kanawha, and up Elk River, iron ore is scarcely
out of reach for a hundred miles. It occurs here in broken and continuous
beds, principally as carbonates and oxides yielding from 61 to 80 per cent, of
pure metal. Similar results are obtained from analysis of iron ores from
Nicholas County."

The foregoing statement is too extravagant with reference to the iron ores.
In the first place, veins of ore are not found everywhere, and the class of ore
in this section would only yield 70 per cent, of metallic iron when pure. Conse-
quently, we have seen no iron ores yielding from 60 to 80 per cent, in Virginia,
West Virginia, or Kentucky. It requires a good grade of lake ores to do that.

143 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

expected that any one region shall produce every mineral in
the geological column to perfection, and if West Virginia was-
bereft of iron ore entirely, she would still be second to none in
mineral wealth. But such is not the case, since a part of the
State is an ore-bearing section as far as iron is concerned. To a
discussion of this subject with an impartial spirit we shall now
address ourselves.

In addition to the main deposits of iron to which we shall
refer later on, in a part of the region, a remarkably fine quality
of iron has been found. We allude to Braxton County. In this-
country, bordering the Flatwoods, Gillespie, and High Knob
neighborhoods, an ore exists that is equal to the class of iron ore
found in the New River — Cripple-Creek-Region, known as "Gos-
san ore." When mixed with other ores it gives a peculiarly
good character to the iron, while it produces an admirable iron
by itself. It is one of the most important discoveries in the
South in the way of iron ore, and it is admitted to be the only
"red short ore" that has been found south of Mason and Dixon's
line. Mixed with the ordinary fossil and kidney ores of this
region, it gives a first-class iron for foundry or mill purposes, and
permits the use of tons of phosphorous and manganese ores that
could never be utilized successfully by themselves. In Braxton,
on some of the highest points, a large deposit of red clay is
found, covering the conglomerate rocks, and throughout this
stratum the iron ore comes in immense boulders, varying in size-
On fracture, these rocks present a dark, sub-metallic lustrer
looking like solid iron. The boulders are found everywhere
through the clays in the conglomerates, and the deposit of the
ore is large, while the quality is most excellent. (1-1) There can
be no doubt of the fact that this ore is of a most superior class,

But while we disagree with Mr. Diss Debar's statement as to the purity of
these ores in iron, we undoubtedly deem them workable, and in paying- quan-
tities. Prof. White has said concerning them :

"They are too high in impurities— phosphorous especially, to make good
iron. They are furthermore of a silicious nature, resembling those of the
Alleghany region, which are too full of silica,"

(1-1) Analyses of this iron ore, from samples taken near the tunnel at
Flatwoods, and about four miles from Gillespie, give the following results:

No. 1. No. 2.

Metallic iron 57.250 51.300

Phosphorous 095 .058

Silicious matter 4.624 4.280.

Phos. in 100 parts iron 074 .10ft

Resoiirees of Central West Virginia. 143

and far ahead of any other iron ore in point of quality yet dis-
covered in West Virginia. The situation of the ore among a
stratum belonging to the Silurian period marks the upheava]
that drove the coal measures into infinity, for where this ore
exists no coal can be found. The specific gravity of the raw ore
is great, and it is of the class that may be termed a soft-running
ore for all furnace purposes. From every outward indication
the quantity is large.

As we have previously seen, this section lies principally in
the Carboniferous period, and in the stratum of that age are
several veins of iron ore. Under the finegrained shaly sandstone,
that lies generally underneath the upper measure of coal, is a
slight seam of silicious ore, that may be seen anywhere in this
section in its proper mineral horizon. The vein is from twelve
to eighteen inches in diameter, and is quite persistent. Now,
the question arises, will this ore do for furnace purposes ? Expe-
rience, and observation, are our only guides in these matters,
coupled with a proper test of the mineral. From personal
inspection at the furnaces in Pennsylvania, as well as Virginia,
ore that is not superior to this is worked, and makes a fine
foundry iron. One fact in regard to iron ore should be con-
stantly borne in mind, when apparently it appears high in both
phosphorous and silica. That the several kinds of iron ore dif-
fer somewhat in the quality of the iron they afford is true ; but
the greatest part of the supposed difference, if bog ore is ex-
cepted, depends on the mode of working, and the use of proper
fluxes in the right proportion. By the aid of a good fluxing
material administered skillfully, ore that is high in silica may be
so run through a furnace as to produce a fairly good iron. We
feel safe in saying that while in the present plentiful state of
iron ore it would scarcely be policy to work a vein of twelve or
eighteen inches in thickness, yet this ore will make a merchant-
able iron, and the day will come when it will be brought into
requisition. With veins around it three or four times as thick
it would not be reasonable to suppose that it will be utilized as
yet. (2)

(2) Average samples of this ore are taken from the run of the openings
give the following results :

Metallic iron 40.71

Phosphorous 0.27

Silica 24.96

This ore from its analysis is unquestionably high in silica, but by proper
flueing could be made to produce good iron.

144 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Under the middle sandstones that average from eighty to
one hundred feet in thickness, throughout this region, we have
generally a vein of about one foot in thickness. As this would
not justify mining at all, in the present day, we pass over it, as
it is unnecessary to discuss it, farther than to say in quality
it is merchantable.

But by far the most prolific, and persistent of the iron veins
in this section is the one lying under a limestone (oolitic) and at
times under a sandstone, of an argillaceous nature. This ore is
generally in the shape of oolites, commonly called "Kidney ore,1'
and is persistent in a stratum of clayish sand embedded under the
rocks mentioned. The vein is from three to four feet in thick-
ness, and contains an ore that is valuable from a standpoint of
both quality and quantity. In Marion County, Harrison
County, Lewis County, Taylor, and Barbour, as well as
Nicholas and Webster, this vein is quite persistent, varying in
different places in thickness, but never becoming so thin as not
to be valuable. It can be followed through Braxton, and part
of Gilmer, with a lessening thickness as we proceed southward.
In Barbour County, where the old Valley Furnace stood, this
ore was used in part with a blue ore that was roasted. The
persons engaged in the manufacture of iron at that point did
not seem to know that this brownish-yellow ore would have
made a finer iron, without the mixture of the blue. There is a
softness of texture about the ore that relieves it of the necessity
of being baked, causing it to run easily through a furnace. The
old furnace near Clarksburg, that was owned and operated
under Judge J. Gr. Jackson's regime used the ores of this horizon,
and produced an excellent grade of pig-iron that brought the
highest market prices at Pittsburg, where it was shipped down
the river in boats. Another furnace in the central part of the
State used the ores from this vein, making an unusually good
sample of pig-iron. From samples of the product of two of
these furnaces, there is no doubt of the fact that the ore in
question was a good furnace ore for all foundry and mill pur-
poses. (3) It is true these furnaces are no longer running, but the
cessation of work did not arise from any defective quality in the
product, but from inaccessibility of markets, and want of trans-

(3) From the pig-iron made of this ore a strong wrought-iron nail was
manufactured in a forge near the furnace that brought a good price in Pitts-
burg These were shipped there, with the pig-iron. This fact sets any
doubts at rest as to the quality of this ore.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 145

portation facilities The rapid construction of railways into
other ore-bearing territory where furnaces were located, made
competition in iron so strong, the furnaces here, that sent their
product by boat and on wagons were forced to suspend. All of
the iron manufactured in this section may be said to come
principally from this vein, that crops out on the sides of the
hills in Marion, Harrison, Lewis, Braxton, Taylor, Barbour,
Webster, Nicholas, and Gilmer. It is quite extensive and per-
sistent in range, and the outcropping marked. It is easily
mined, by side-tunneling into the vein in the hill, and is taken
out generally in the shape of large "kidney," oblong pieces, that
are imbedded in the clay stratum, or rocks. On fracture, the
outer rim presents a sub-metallic lustre, the inside being rilled
often with clay, and sometimes limestone, or a decomposed
stone like it. In point of quality, justice prompts us to say, that
it is what may be termed good. From the product that the ore
made, as well as an analytical test, no doubt remains as to its
being sufficiently pure for the manufacture of a good grade 'of
iron, (4) The quantity of this ore throughout this section is
large.

BLUE ORE.

In this section of Central West Virginia, as for instance in
Barbour County, a hard, lump ore is found, commonly termed

(4) Three analysis of this ore were made— one from Barbour, another
from Braxton, and a third from Nicholas. These gave a fair average of the
quality of the whole. They are as follows :

Barbour. Braxton. Nicholas.

Metallic iron 49.875 44.950 48.500

Phosphorous 00.146 00.173 00.169

Silica 11.430 13.320 13.^81

Phosphorous in 100 parts iron. - .293 .304 .286

From the foregoing- assays it is readily seen that this ore is neither high in
silica, nor phosphorous. When we use the word high we speak comparatively,
meaning, that in comparison with other ores of the South it is by no means an
impure, or poor ore. In silica it is higher than in phosphorous, but good fluxing
would make a clean product of the raw ore. Of course this iron ore would
seem high in both phosphorous and silica if compajed with the lake ores,
which being composed largely of almost pure iron, are singularly free from
every impurity. It is contended by some persons that Bessemer steel can
never be manufactured from the Southern ores. After witnessing some of
the processes through which the Southern pig has been carried, there can be
but little doubt of these facts; that with proper fluxing in the furnaces, and
some care in working the pig through the mills, that a good grade of what
they term "Bessemer steel,' can be produced — sufficient for any purposes of
man.

146 Heritage of the Trans- AUe ghany Pioneers, or,

blue lump ore. It was used quite extensively in some of the Old
furnaces, being: mixed with the argillaceous, oolite ore we have
just been discussing. By a process of baking, or roasting, this
ore was reduced in impurities, and its value enhanced in metallic
iron. When mixed with the softer brown ores, it made a good
pig-iron, but as it is extremely low in metallic iron, we doubt if
it could be profitably used alone. It is this class of material,
coupled with the silicious ore we first discussed, that has caused
some to underrate the finer grade of iron ore we have named, and
given particular attention to as a matter of justice.

It is frequently asked : what is West Virginia's future out-
look on the subject of iron? "Why has she not more furnaces
within her borders if she is plentifully supplied with iron orer
coking coal, and fluxing material ? To these inquiries but one
logical reply can be given. The law of demand is just as inex-
orable as that of supply. If the supply of raw material i&
greater than the demand for the manufactured product of the
same material, then inuch of it must remain in its crude state.
Or, if the demand for the present is supplied by a superior grade
of raw stuff, the lower class of the latter must wait until the
former is consumed. And such is the present condition of affairs
with reference to the iron ores of West Virginia. We had just
as well look facts squarely in the face. This is just the trouble
that West Virginia's ores have to face at present. The superi-
ority of the lake ores over these ; the ease and cheapness with
which they are mined ; their immense quantity at present ; and
competition in freight rates, give them advantages for the present
with which the West Virginia iron ores cannot successfully com-
pete. Up in Minnesota these rich ores are being constantly de-
veloped and shipped to furnaces north and east at marvellously
low rates. So long as this state of affairs last the ores here are
most likely to remain in a crude state. Again : for some time
past the supply of iron has been so prolific that the demand has
been more than filled. This in a measure has deterred iron men
from opening furnaces in this region of country. But by the
past we may judge the future. The rapid increase in the con-
sumption of iron for the past few years shows that the ores here
must eventually, at no late date, come into requisition. (5.)
When that period comes to pass, West Virginia will have a fur-
nace in probably every county we have named. Where the raw
material exists the manufacturer must come when ordered by
the inexorable law of demand.

Resources of Central West Virginia, 147

PLUMBAGO.

In both Braxton and Webster Counties samples of this min-
eral have been found, and tested. These are foliated and mas-
sive, of a metallic lustre, and from dark grey steel to iron black
in color. On a test, it is infusible before the blow pipe, both
alone, and with reagents ; it is not acted upon by acids. As no
development has been made of this mineral as yet, it is impossi-
ble to determine its quantity, but extrinsic circumstances go to
show that it is in some quantity.

ROCKS : WHITE, GREY, BLUE, AND PINK SANDSTONES.

The carboniferous rocks in the region of which we are wri-
ting afford a magnificent class of minerals that come under the
head of stones. Paramount is the hard, compact, and often
granular sandstones good for building material, flagstones, cob-
ble blocks, and street pavements. The colors vary, principally
among which may be named white, grey, blue, and pink. In
Harrison, and Lewis — particularly the latter, a building stone of
splendid grade is found. Eight miles south of Clarksburg, in
the Mount Clare Field, is a sandstone (grey in color) that has no
superior as a building stone. It is compact, close, and solid in
texture, with a sufficient granular impregnnation to render it
durable when exposed to atmospheric action. The stratum of
this rock ranges from fifteen to fort y feet in thickness, and quar-
ries out well. From the quarries of this locality the stone was
gotten that was used in construction of the government building
at Clarksburg. It makes an imposing structure, as handsome
as it is durable. Sandstone is. formed by a sedimentary deposit
from water of granules which have resulted from the disintegra-
tion of older rocks by various kinds of dynamic action, weather-
ing, and erosion. Naturally, therefore, grains of quartz, the

(5) The increase in production of iron in the United States in the past
few years is ahead of that of any other country ivc can name. The following
table will give an idea of the rapid development of iron :

Tons.

In 1857, the product was 883,137

In 1866, " " " 1,461,026

In 1878, 2,577,361

In 1889, " " " 8,516,068

Inl890, " " " • 10,309,028

In 1893, " " " 11,482,753

From the foregoing statistics it can be seen that about 22,000,000 tons of iron
ore are used annually in this country. This product must be used up gradu-
ally—nay rapidly, m a few years, so as to bring the raw material from eve-ry
place into requisition.

148 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghani Pioneers, at.

hardest essential component of the older rocks, are vastly more
abundant in sandstone than in all other minerals ; indeed, many
sandstones are almost entirely made up of particles of quartz.
The size of these granules vary considerable, which makes the
distinctive difference between fine and coarse sandstone. These
granules are usually held together by some cementing material,
and the nature of the latter is an all-important consideration
bearing upon the strength, durability, and beauty of the stone,
and consequently upon its value as a structural material. The
cementing ingredient of this stone of the Mount Clare Field is
of a. wonderfully tenacious character, giving durability to the
rock for all architectural purposes. In some structures this
stone has been known to be standing for over a hundred years,
and presents no indication whatever of disintegration, or yield-
ing The edges, and exposed sides are as solid, and close in
texture as that of the stone newly quarried out. A better grade
of building stone for all purposes could not be found anywhere.
(6) The stratum is a persistent one, running through many
miles of territory, and beautifully located for cheap quarrying.

But by far one of the most attractive, as well as serviceable
building stones, is the blue sandstone, that runs through the
geological structure of Lewis County. The mode in which it can
be quarried out, added to its beauty and utility render it second
to none for construction purposes. On the top of the stone, the
layers are usually thin, but as the stratum goes downward, the
stone becomes greater in thickness, until it reaches a splendid
proportion. Throughout the section where this stone lies, many
foundations, and structures are built of it, among which may be

(6) The analysis of tbis stouc shows it to be a siliceous rock, hard, durable,
and capable of withstanding' great crushing strength, and is not subject to
alteration from exposure. From samples taken from the quarry, the follow-
ing results were obtained :

Silica.... .....88.89

Alumina — 5.95

Irou oxides 1.77

Manganese oxide 0;41

Lime 0.26

Soda 0.86

Carbonic acid, watgr and loss 1.83

Fiom the foregoing it is readily seen that silica is the component part of
this sfone. Some alumina, a little oxides of iron, and carbonic acid is discov-
ered with a trace of lime. soda, and Manganese oxide. The lime and other
ingredients that disintegrate from exposure, are barely perceptible, or trace-
able.

Resources of Centril West Virginia. 149

mentioned the Asylum for the Insane at Weston, and the West
Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad Depot. Both of these struct-
ures are models in their way, the former being one of the largest
and most imposing buildings in the State. This stone is practi-
cally composed of silica, cemented together with silica. A
slight amount of argillaceous material is present, but not suffi-
cient to affect the texture of the rock. Owing to the minuteness
of the silica, and the firmness of the siliceous cement, the stone
is exceedingly hard and durable, and often difficult to work. (7)
It would not be an easy matter to find a more valuable stone
than this bluftstone out of which the asylum at Weston is con-
structed. Immense quantities of it lie in Lewis as well as
Braxton Counties. One of the largest quarries of this material
is located in Lewis, not far from Weston, and would doubtless
yield a handsome return if developed.

Braxton, Nicholas, Wood, Jackson, and other counties,
possess this grey stone we have been writing of, while Webster
has an acquisition in the shape of stone that is rarely seen.
Near Camden-on-Gauley, in this county, is a sandstone almost
pure pink, that ranges high in silica without a trace of lime.
The stratum of the rock runs north and south, along the western
banks of the Gauley River, almost at Camden-on-Gauley, and
dips at an angle of fifteen degrees south of the latter place. The
delicate pink of this stone, combined with its close texture in
silica, render it a building material of rare value, for construc-
tion, or dressing purposes.

It is a fact worthy of observation that this whole region of
which we are writing, is very prolific in the various colored
sandstones we have named, that are admirable for building
purposes. Along the Baltimore and Ohio Line many quarries
have been worked with a profit, and the cities and towns in the
State show by the imposing structures they possess, that this
material is both useful and pretty.

(7) From an analysis of this stone the following results were obtained :

Silica 97.00

Iron oxides 1.00

Lime 1.15

Soda 64

Carbonic acid, water and loss 21

At both the close granules and the cementing material in this stone is
silica, it runs high in that mineral.

150 Heritage oj the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

GRIT ROCK.

In some parts of this region, a hard, gritty sandstone, or
grit rock, is found, that is most prolific in Barbour County, on
Cove Run, and at Pickens in Randolph County, than in any
other portions of the section. These are largely used for mill-
stones, and when of firm texture make a good substitute for
buhrstone. The true buhrstone is a cellular, silicious rock,
"without apparent granular texture. It is a sandstone contain-
ing fossils, and generally overlies the coal. At Pickens, the
sand-rocks so nearly resemble this substance of buhrstone that
they make good milling stones. This stone occurs above the
coal in Webster County, as well as Harrison and Barbour. It is
a material that properly developed would make a very pretty
industry. In addition to this use, the gritty sandstone is most
excellent material for furnace lining and hearths, as it is capable
of standing great heat. It possesses great resistance to any class
of heat, withstanding a very high temperature — in fact, it
appears from testing, that a high degree of heat only glazes it,
rendering it all the more invulnerable to fire when applied in
the most intense manner. (8) In the matter of sandstones, for
bridge, dam, and railroad work, West Virginia ranks fourth in
the Union of States, being exceeded only by Pennsylvania,
Ohio, and New Jersey.

LIMESTONE.

This most valuable commodity is found in abundance in
many portions of the section of which we are writing. In
Barbour, Taylor, Harrison, Doddridge, and other counties, it
occupies its proper horizon in the Carboniferous period. It
consists of lime, and belongs to the calcite species, the usual
composition of which is the carbonates of lime and magnesia.
These are either compact, or granular in texture, the latter
appearing like loaf-sugar, from which the finest statuary marble
is made. In this region we have only the compact to deal with,
varying from light gray to dark blue in texture. The stone
in some places, is of that kind known as the gray-coraline, which
is so admirable for fluxing purposes. This limestone gets its
name from its gray color, and the fact it fractures in a choncoi-
dal manner, like a piece of coral reef. The quality is admirable

Resources of Centrzl West Virginia. 151

in many parts of the section, and practically exhaustless. (9)
The limestone proper in this region is suitable for all purposes
such as fertilizing, building, fluxing, and lime-making. The
word "limestone,1' derives its name from the white lime the
stone produces when burnt.

MARBLE.

In all limestone regions, where the proper conditions exist,
marble may be looked for with reasonable certainty. While
limestone and marble are very nearly related from a chemical
standpoint, they differ materially in structure and purity. The
purest and most beautiful marble is undoubtedly chrystalized
limestone, but commercially speaking the two are as different as
light is from darkness, and vary equally as much in the uses
they are put to by humanity. Water, percolating through a
limestone stratum, becomes charged with carbonic acid. If
erosion has taken place beneath the limestone proper, leaving
a, fissure, then this will become gradually filled with the sedi-
ment deposited by the water charged with carbonic acid, until a
chrystalized substance is made composed almost entirely of the
pure calcium carbonate, or carbon of lime — this is marble. In
Harrison County a remarkably good specimen of the compact,
grey, variegated marble has been found that takes a beautiful
polish, and is particularly pure in quality. (10) Wherever the
limestone stratum is persistent, and the material is high in
carbonate of lime, we may confidently explore for the compact
marble, varying in colors from light to dark. In fact this stone

(8) A Mr. Roberts, now residing- at Pickens, West Virginia, manufactured
from this gritty sandstone, a brick, that he called a "silica brick," for furnace
purposes. It stood on a test over 4,000 degrees of heat, and from every
appearance, would resist any quantity. This brick took the premium at the
"World's Fair," over any of its kind.

(9) From an analysis of several samples taken from the run of the lime-
stone stratas, the results were as follows :

Carbonate of lime 90.08

Carbonate of magnesia 4.00

Alumina and oxide of iron 0.72

Insoluble silica 4.56

Water and loss 0 64

(10) This stone, samples of which have been tested, and polished, gives the
following analytical result:

Calcium carbonate 98.375

Magnesium " 0.790

Iron " 0.034

Matter insoluble in acids 0.630

Organic matter 0.080

152 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers or,

has never been prospected for in this region with any degree of
carefulness, and that discovered in Harrison County was the
result more of accident than otherwise. In Barbour, Taylor,
and Doddridge Counties, the conditions exist for the production
of this valuable mineral.

GYPSUM.

The Parmian beds of the Carboniferous period are composed
mostly of sandstones, marlites, and impure, or magnesian lime-
stones. In this period the calcium sulphate, and sulphate of
lime, play a very important part, producing what is commonly
known as gypsum. This mineral is used for the manufacture of
plaster-of-Paris, for fertilizing purposes, for calcined plaster,
and the white plaster used for sculpture, and artistic work. It
is sometimes white, but comes in other colors. Two kinds of
this product are found in this section of West Virginia : one in
Barbour County, near the Valley Furnace ; the other in Har-
rison County, near Luinberport. The first is what is known as
the snowy gypsum, including the white, or light-colored com-
pact gypsum, possessing a very fine grain. This material can be
used for the manufacture of plaster-of-Paris for casting and
moulding purposes. It is also useful for giving a hard finish to
walls. The purest class of this product is known as alabaster,
and is fine enough for the production of vases, ornaments, and
the like. The gypsum found near Lumberport, in Harrison
County, is yellow in color, coming under the head of fibrous
gypsum, on account of its being like the fibrous carbonate of
lime. When burned, it makes a fair plaster-of-Paris, and is
particularly fine for fertilizing purposes. The quality of each is
good. (11) In quantity, both of these gypsums excel. The
stratum in Barbour is thick and persistent, while that in
Harrison is in place. As yet this mineral has never been
worked, but in the near future this section will have art industry
to manufacture this val uable product.

(11) An essay gives these results as to gypsum :

Barbour County. Harrison County.

Calcium sulphate 91.00 Lime 32.35

Carbonate of magnesia 3.00 Sulphuric acid 46 38

Carbonate of line 6.00 Water 19.70

Oxide of iron Magnesia 0.54

Alumina 0.60

Insoluble residue.. . .09
That from Barber County is of much purer grade than the gypsum found in,
Harrison County.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 153

CHAPTER XVI.

Mineral Resources of West Virginia Continued. — Slates. —
Drawing Slate. — Earthly Minerals. — Fire Clay. — Brick Clay.
Potters'1 Clay. — Glass Sand.— Casting Sand. — General Resume
of Mineral Resources of Central West Virginia.

The slates in this section of AVest Virginia, range all the way
from the compact, close-grained slate through the argillaceous
shales to the slaty clays found in many places. Among these
rocks in Randolph County, near Pickens, West Virginia, a good
quality of drawing slate was found, that lies in fine working
quantities. It crops out near the top of a mountain just above
a stratum of shale that on examination proved a superior fire-
clay. A thorough test was made in a practical manner of this
slate that showed it could be used for all school and drawing
purposes. There must have been some peculiar chemical action
with reference tothe stratum of slates in the immediate region,
we name, since the rocks of the same class in other counties do
not have the finer and more compact variety seen here, of a.
bluish shade of color. From the fact that pieces of the slate in
this stratum have been exposed to outward action of the
elements without disintegration for ten years, we may naturally
presume that the material will not disintegrate on exposure.
From the composition of these slates, we may confidently assert
that in addition to the drawing slate the following variety of
materials may be found : the hone slate, or whetstone, and an
argillite slate good for paving purposes. And while the
quantity of roofing slate has not been developed in this [section
one or two good veins of it has been found. (1) These follow
the main lead of slates under the capstone of the iron ore seams,,
and there is no reason why they should not be in ample working
quantities.

(1) In another part of Randolph County than the one we have been dis-
cussing, was found a fine-grained argillaceous slate of a dark duW, blue
color. From, a test made this slate splits easily, and could be punctured by nails
without fracture. That it is a good roofing slate, there can be but small
doubt. It is in quantity.

154 Heritage of the Trans-Allegliany Pioneers, or,

EARTHLY MINERALS. — FIRE CLAYS.

The deposits of fire-clay in the region of country of which we
are writing, while only partially developed, are likely in the
future to prove among the the most profitable investments that
can be made in this State. In the first place, large deposits lie
in very many of the counties in Central West Virginia, while all
of them possess stratas of this valuable material. In Marion,
Harrison, Lewis, Upshur, Randolph, Tucker, Webster, Gilmer,
Jackson, Wood, and Ritchie, these clays can be found generally
running with the coal measures, and often embedded beneath
them. They range in veins from two to four feet in thick-
ness, rarely reaching the latter dimensions, however. They
"vary in color, some being yellow, while others are white,
grey, and dark blue. Among the best of these clays is one
of a slaty-clay in appearance, varying from light blue to
dark purple, almost black. Out of this shale the fire-bricks in
England arc largely manufactured, and they serve their purpose
well. This material is used also at the fire-brick works near
Grafton, West Virginia. From an examination of these
various seams of clay, their location geologically appear to be
somewhat apart. Underneath the upper coal measure very
often is found a soft blue-grey vein of clay, tbat is
admirable for ordinary brick-making. Beneath this, we usually
find a dark shale varying from dark-blue to black that makes a
most serviceable clay for fire-brick. The product of this clay
has been admirably worked In several factories, proving to
possess more than ordinary capacity in extreme heat. In some
<jases in the mountains, below the soil of the earth appears a
stratum of slates that lie above the coal measures proper.
There are several formations of this slate. In some instances it
is a hard, close-grained substance, serving more or less as a
roofing for coal, while below, the slate has disintegrated into a
clay substance that renders it admirable for the making of fire-
clay brick, when used alone, and a pressed brick of wonderful
texture when used with ordinary clays and shales. (2)

The slaty clay is the material out of which the English fire-
clay is made, to which allusion has already been made, that

(2) Mr. Roberts, of Pickens, West Virginia, mixed a quantity of this
fire-clay with the ordinary clay, and a pressed brick was the result, that took
a hi?h premium at the "World's Fair," and is a beautiful sample of brick of
wonderful durability, and texture.

Resources of Central West Virginia.. 155-

stands a strong action of heat in a most satisfactory manner.
The freedom of this substance from all traces of lime, and impu-
rities, renders the brick non-fusible, giving a material of extreme
durability. The quantity of this slaty-clay below the coal
measure is large, and lies in an unbroken formation almost. In
quality it is of a very superior grade, and throughout the region
of ■which we are writing is found in large quantity wherever the
coal measures run. (3) The white, grey, and yellow clays, while
good materials for making fire-brick, are not so superior as the
one we have been discussing. The deposit of these appear
in different geological structures from that of the shale. These
latter clays may be found in the valleys, and running along the
base of the hills. They are higher in silica, and lower in
alumina than the shale-clay, yet they make two' excellent pro-
ducts : a good fire-brick, and a paving brick that has given
satisfaction. The streets in Parkersburg, and Huntington both,
are paved with the same material, manufactured from these
clays. So far, they have been found in Marion, Harrison, Web-
ster, Clay, Jackson, Wood, Ritchie, Monongalia, and Preston.
The quality averages well, while the quantity is large, the
material ranging from two to four feet in thickness. These
clays, for the purposes named, have been profitably worked. (4)
The paving material to which we have alluded, will, sooner or
later, supercede the cobble-stone, and rock used in many cities
from the fact they are very durable, and make a much smoother
street. The fire-brick are particularly good for furnace lining.

(3) An analysis given of this clay, that is correct yielded these results :

Silica 45.86

Alumina 44.23

Magnesia 0.00

Potash and soda 0.24

Moisture, hygroscopic 0.70

Moisture combined I n8 ,,

Organic matter )' uo-*)

"Natural Resources of West Virginia." By GL W. Summers.

(4) From analyses made of these clays with average samples taken from
two regions in Central West Virginia, the following results were obtained :

No. 1. No. 2.

Silica 63.16 54.27

Alumina 24.11 33.83

Oxide of iron 0.01 0.01

Magnesia trace 0.02

Potash and soda t race trace

Moisture, hydroscopic 0,85- 1.00

Organic matter and moisture combined 0.66 10.86

156 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or.

BRICK CLAY.

The ordinary clays for brick are extremely prolific in this
region. The clay is sufficiently low in silica, and high in other
ingredients to make a good product. As has been stated, these
ordinary clays mixed with the shale so admirable for fire-clay,
make a pressed brick of marvellous beauty, and strength of
texture. Inasmuch as the shale is free from iron and other
impurities, this pressed brick possesses great durability, and
must preserve its solidity for a great length of time. Bricks
manufactured here are shipped to West Virginia's sister States
in some quantity.

POTTERS' CLAY AND PIPE CLAY.

These clays exist in this region in ample quantities, and
from the fact they are plastic, and free from iron, make an
excellent material for the purposes above named. The colors
predominating are white and blue principally, with sometimes
streaks of brown from the iron permeating it. Whenever these
occur, they render the pottery more or less discolored, which
lessen the value of those clays touched with the iron. But in
many counties, this clay is free from almost every impurity,
posessing the necessary qualities to make it exceptionably good
material. Both white and blue clays are plastic, "consisting
mainly of pulverized, or altered aluminous minerals, (largely
feldspar)." They owe their plasticity to the alumina, and
should cease to be called clay when the proportion of silica
is too high for plasticity. But these are low in silica, and high
in alumina, without iron, lime, or magnesia, and if possessed at
all of any of those three ingredients, they are found only in
traces. These clays in the geological formations here, result
from the decomposition of shales. In every county in Central
West Virginia they are found, and they must eventually become
the raw material for a large industry — the manufacture of
pottery, and earthenware of every description. It is a fact, that
at present, notwithstanding the rich deposits of these clays that
large quantities of pottery and earthenware are shipped into
the State, when if the raw material here was worked up, this
country could not only supply a great home consumption, but
furnish foreign States with the product. Some manufactures
of these articles are now established, and the purity of the

Resources of Central West Virginia. 157

material is attracting people from various sections of the coun-
try. This clay is a first rate material, too, for the manufacture
of pipes.

GLASS SAND.

In Randolph, Barbour, and Webster Counties, in the grit
rocks, or sandstones, the formations vary from quartz rock
to the sandstones proper, used for various purposes. The gran-
ular quartz of this class of rocks is the most refractory of rocks.
It is used, therefore, for hearthstones, for lining of furnaces, and
for lime kilns, and from a test will bear an almost incalculable
amount of heat. But by far the most important use that the
granular quartz is put to, is for the manufacture of glass, sand
paper, and the sawing of marble. In several sections of this
part of West Virginia the quartz occurs to crumble to a fine
sand, and is highly useful for the manufacture of flint glass.
The best grade of this granular quartz is almost pure silica, free
from any taint of iron. This purity is apparent in the clearness
of the grain under the lens, or their white color. The quartz
closely resembles that of Berkshire, Massachusetts, and Lanes-
boro, in the same State. It is very pure, and nearly pure silica.
(5) This granular quartz for the reasons mentioned is highly
valuable, and renders the sections in which it is so prolific of
more than ordinary value. In Morgan, Marion, Preston, Bar-
bour, Randolph, and Gilmer Counties, this granular quartz
occurs. Wherever the white coarse-grain rocks occur, this glass
sand can be found in a high state of purity. No industry could
be started that would be more profitable than one for the devel-

(5) This granular quartz heated to fusion with the alkali of potash, or soda,
produced a silicate of potash, or glass, that on analysis gave the following

results:

Silica 73.0

Potash 16.6

Lime 10.4

Notwithstanding the fact that the essay showed the value of the quartz
for glass sand; as the product was made out of the State, and some doubts
expressed as to the quality of the sand, a practical test was made at the glass
works in Fairmont, West Virginia. The following certificate from the foreman
set the matter at rest :

"Fairmont, West Virginia, October 16, 1894.
I have examined sambles of sand exhibited to me by a gentleman investi-
gating the resources of West Virginia along the West Virginia and Pittsburg
Railroad, and other lines, and found in Central West Virginia, and consider it
a good grade of sand for manufacture of flint glass. This grade of sand is
superior to the sand used at this point for manufacturing bottles, &c.

Signed: Geo. W. Porter, Foreman."
Flint glass is the class from which crystal is made.

158 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, orr

opment of this valuable material. At Fairmont, and Morgan-
town, glass works are profitably established, which get from
abroad a sand that lies in this State equally as fine.

In this region, along Tygarts Valley River, a superior grade
of casting sand is found in large quantities.

From the discussion of the minei-al resources of West Vir-
ginia in the counties of which we have been writing, it is easily
seen they are unusually rich in large deposits of a variety of
minerals. Those we have touched upon are all in Central West
Virginia in such quantities as would pay any one to invest the
necessary capital to develop them. From a recapitulation here,
we find the following in persistent seams, and veins. Coal,
bituminous and cannel. Iron ore, plumbago, sandstones, lime-
stones, marble, gypsum, slates, fire clays, brick clays, potters'
clay, glass sand, casting sand. After a careful review of the
coal fields ; the iron ore, as well as the rest of the catalogue of
minerals, it is conservative to say that no State in the Union is.
richer in mineral wealth than the one we are now describing.
And when we take the general topography with the geological
structure, we cannot say there is any occasion for surprise, as
this part of West Virginia is but a continuation of that same
formation of Pennsylvania that has given it such a national
reputation for mineral wealth. If this territory was as finely
developed as that, Central West Virginia would send forth as-
much for the use and want of humanity as the other State.
But her material welfare, and future pecuniary rank as one of
the richest States in the Union is surely a thing of certainty,
that is merely a question of time. The manufacturer, to com-
pete with the many engagers in the same craft successfully,
must come where the raw material is most abundant, and where
he can make the most profit on his wares. Here, in this section
the conditions for performing that feat are as perfect as those of
any other State in the Union. Transportation facilities are
penetrating all parts of the region, while the abundant raw
material, and cheap labor, give the manufacturer here as fine a
showing as he could have in any other State. Within the past
few years no State has progressed so rapidly in material pros-
perity as West Virginia, which, with its boundless riches, is but
in the infancy of its advancement.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 159

CHAPTER XVII.

Financial Aspect of this Section of West Virginia. — Valuation
of Real Property. — Valuation of Personal Property. — Bank-
ing Facilities. — Investments in the Region. — Results of the
Same.

The financial aspect of this section of West Virginia is
decidedly a remarkable one, when all things in connection with
it are taken into consideration. For the period of its develope-
nient, no region can show such rapid strides in the way of
material wealth in every form as Central West Virginia. While
agriculturally speaking, the region was never of the best char-
acter as a whole, yet the opening up of the mineral deposits,
and manufacturing industries following in their train have
given the country a marvellous increase in the way of values
both in real and personal estate. The building of cities enhances
the value of lands around, while acres of the mountainous
tracts on account of vast mineral deposits have become a hun-
dred fold more valuable, The result is, the taxable values have
increased wonderfully throughout the region. (1) A statement

(1) From the last report of the Auditor of West Virginia, the assessable
values of real and personal estate, were as follows :

TOTAL VALUE OF REAL ESTATE BY COUNTIES.

Barbour $1,975,017.00

Braxton 1,719,647-00

Calhoun 712,094.00

Clay 695,814,00

Doddridge 1,586,675 00

Gilmer 1,038,687.00

Harrison 5,951,446,00

Jackson 2,803,690 00

Lewis 2,86rt,949.00

Marion 4,386.733.00

Mason 4,100,047.00

Pocahontas 2,131,089.00

Randolph 2,581,342.00

Ritchie 2,155,261.00

Roane 1,405,435.00

Taylor 2,538,814.00

Tucker 1,499,941.00

Dpshur 2,868,381.00

Webster 1,063,953.00

Wirt ... 1,183,765.00

Wood 6,357,581,00

160 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

of the increase of som- of the counties will serve to illustrate the
advance. (2) This has arisen from the resources already named*
with reference to the increase of values in property here : the
building- of towns, and development of the mineral resources^
And in Central West Virginia especially, we have untold mineral

While those arc the taxable values of the real estate, they are not a true;
representation ot the values we wish to express. The real property, on a dis-
interested investigation shows that the estimates taken by the assessor are at
least one third too small on an average. To the amount of taxable real estate
for each county add one-third of the amount, and a correct estimate will be
arrived at.

VALUATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.

Barbour $ 846,993.00

Braxton 651,846.00

Calhoun 279,110.00

Clay 100,742.00

Doddridge 701,948.00

Gilmer 453,676.90

Harrison 2,192,137.00

Jackson 853,460.00

Lewis 1,129.020,00

Marion 2,361.613.00

Mason 1,329,315.00

Nicholas 353, 460.00

Poeahontas 424,748.00

Randolph a56.231.00

Ritchie 699,768.00

Roane 554.195.00

Taylor 1,1&3,810.00

Tucker 314.570.00

Upshur 822,126.00

Webster 156,810.00

Wirt 287,181.00

Wood 2,041,670.00

The same rule we have applied to the assessment of real estate below its
value may be used to govern the personal property, except the latter is about
one- fourth less than the taxable amount shown in tables of figures.

(2) The counties that have increased in values may be named as follows,
with amount :

REAL ESTATE.— INCREASE OF 1892 OVER 1891.

Braxton $ 694.527.00

Calhoun 91,172.00

Clay 356,783.00

Doddridge 9(1,246.00

Gilmer 394,650.00

Jackson 168,877.00

Lewis 444,728.00

Marion 807,898.00

Mason 89.893.00

Nicholas 16,451.00

Pocahontas 612,906.00

Randolph 1,322,567.00

Ritchie 335.466.00

Roane 288,641.00

Tucker 744,365.00

Upshur 477,829.00

Webster 354,526.00

Wirt 115,306.00

Wood 453,751.00

/

Resources of Central West Virginia. 161

wealth to be yet opened up, that must increase these values
three-fold. And the increase of the year 1892, over that of 1891,
gives us an idea of what rapid advancement may be expected
from the region, when we remember its resources are but parti-
ally developed.

The banking facilities of this portion of West Virginia are
not only amply sufficient for the needs of the people, but rest on
unusually good foundation. If any evidence was necessary to
sustain this fact, it was amply produced during the financial
stringency of last year, that closed the doors of pecuniary insti-
tutions the country over. But throughout the broad domain of
the State of West Virginia, there was not a single failure, and
but one suspension. This occurred in Wheeling, West Virginia.
The institution soon righted itself, and continued operations.
The banks are located in the cities and towns, consisting mainly
of National and State banks, and some few private institutions.
A careful investigation shows these banks to be governed by
prudent, painstaking men, entitled to trust and confidence, with
ample capital to meet every requirement. Particularly, in this
section of West Virginia is money plentiful and easy, owing to
the needs of the many industries that are being developed, and
capital outlayed. During the stringency, the scarcity was not
felt here to the extent existing in other localities in West
Virginia, as well as other States. The banks seemed amply
supplied to meet every demand, paying always in currency. In
addition to the regular banks we have named, there are various
institutions such as, safety trust companies, building and loan
associations, and brokerage establishments. Through these
ample pecuniary facilities are furnished, and money is easy for
every legitimate purpose.

One of the secrets of the greater amount of funds in this
section arises from the large number of investments made, and
being made, in the region. Large tracts of mineral as well as
timbered lands have been sold, which in some cases are being
now developed. The capital necessary for the purchase of these
was lodged in the State, and that requisite for development,
circulated here. The logical result was, money became extremely
plentiful, and pecuniary institutions grew, from a national bank
to an insurance company. There is a general plentifulness of
money everywhere, resulting from the disbursements of pay
rolls at Fairmont, Monongah, Clarksburg, Parkersburg, Graf-

162 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

ton, Weston, Buckhannon, Pickens, Cainden-on-Gauley, and
other places. The developing of the various resources around
these places mark the large amount of capital that has been
invested in coal, timber, and other riches of the State. These
plants are apparently engaged in a successful business, and
employ many thousands of people as laborers, mechanics, and
drawers of water, and hewers of wood. The results of these
industries, through the capital employed, as well as money paid
in purchase of minerals, timber, and other resources, are most
advantageous to the section at large. And a better idea of the
wonderful resources cannot be gained than from the fact, that
notwithstanding the amount of capital now invested, that has
rendered Central West Virginia comparatively easy, the develop-
ment is just in its infancy. Millions of acres of timber, coal,
and other minerals wait a proper investment of capital to render
the people disinterring them rich. On the whole, the region is
in a remarkably easy pecuniary condition at present, with a
brighter outlook still for the future.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 163

CHAPTER XVIII.

Educational Facilities of Central West Virginia. — Systems of
Schools. — Normal, and Common Schools. — Colleges. — General
Remarks on the Subject. — Christian Privileges. — Social Status.
Population of the Region. Probable Future of the Region. —

While the educational facilities of this section might be upon
a higher plane as in most places, they are sufficient for all the
ordinary purposes of life. In Parkersburg, Morgantown, Fair-
mount, Clarksburg, Grafton, Weston and Buckhannon, graded
schools are located from which one can obtain the best branches
of an English education, while at the University at Morgantown,
and some others, classical studies are taught. The educational
curriculum of this section is like that of the rest of West Vir-
ginia, composed of high schools, normal schools, graded schools,
and common schools, at all of which the tuition is free — hence
all come under the definition of free schools. It is only in the
larger towns that the high schools are found, which are for the
purpose of completing the education begun in the ordinary
common schools. In this region there are several of these high
schools : we find one at Fairmount, one at Parkersburg, one at
Ravenswood, one at Clarksburg, one at Buckhannon, and one at
Keyser. In these schools, a higher education may be obtained
than at the common schools, and the languages, such as French,
Latin, arxd German, may be learned. These institutions are of
great advantage, and the laws of the State should be so arranged
as that the districts should possess one to every certain number
of districts.

Next to the high schools, the normal schools rank. These
institutions have a curriculum of the usual higher English
branches, Latin, French, and German. They are for the educa-
tion of persons intending to teach. A good English education
can be obtained at these schools, with knowledge of the
languages we have named, if the student so desires. In this section

164 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

there are fine normal schools at Fairnmunt, Marion County, and
one at Orlenville in Gilmer, and other places. Here the teachers
are prepared who expect to teach the common schools throughout
the country. The graded schools rank next. These schools are
generally found in small towns, and their virtue consists in
grades being established where there is a sufficient number of
scholars to justify it, so there can be more than one teacher.
But the scholars of one district cannot attend the graded schools
of another free of cost. A fairly liberal education may be
obtained at these graded schools. If finished with a course at
the higher, or normal schools, one would be fairly equipped
educationally, for the ordinary duties of life. In most of the
districts, and at all the towns, graded schools may be found
which are conducted on the principle already named.

But by far the most popular mode of education in this
region are the schools known as "common schools,'1 taught by
persons who are paid according to their certificates obtained on
examination. These schools are located in the various districts,
governed by a board of trustees, who administer the affairs and
business of the schools, and attend to their finances, condition,
and the like. These schools are usually well attended by the
children of the district, who are taught the ordinary branches
of English, such as grammar, reading, writing, spelling, geogra-
phy, and arithmetic. If it was so arranged that the primary
education thus obtained could be improved by a course through
a graded, and then a high school in each district, the final
mental equipment would be equal to the ordinary demands of
life. One great trouble with reference to the common schools
arises from the fact that the teachers are poorly paid, and some
fill the position who can be scarcely deemed competent for the
purpose. Some, however, are capable, and conscientious in the
discharge of their arduous duties. (1) A few have been found

(1) In order that the system may be as explicit as possible, we submit an
article from the pen of the accomplished writer, and teacher, Miss Annie L.
Berry, of Braxton County, West Virginia;

"The West Virginia school system is, properly speaking, divided into
three distinct classes, viz: Free schools, Normal schools, and Colleges. Free
schools, being in reality the foundation of education, should receive first
notice. It is in them the child gets the first notions, gathers the rudiments of
learning, and, when later, he goes away to college, he alwaps looks back to the
days spent in the public school room as the time when the foundation for his
character was really being formed. The free school system of West Virginia
is not so good as it should be. It is sustained by a fund created by levying a

Resources of Central West Virginia. 165

who are not only well educated, but highly cultured, with
decided literary tastes.

In addition to the schools we have enumerated, there are
several fine private schools, where the best scholastic education
can be obtained, notably among which may be mentioned the
Catholic school at Clarksburg, the seminary at Buchanan, and
at Piedmont, Davis, and Keyser. At these private schools the
most finished education can be obtained in a classical way.

tax on the property situate in each county. The amount of this 'Teachers'
levy,' as it is termed, is fixed by the County Court, and is put at whatever they
judge will be necessary to run the schools for the ensuing' year. The county
is, of course, divided into townships or districts, which are subdivided into
subdistricts, and in each of these subdistricts is placed a school house. They
usually are about one and one-half miles long and three-fourths mile wide.
Each district is presided over by a body called the Board of Education, which
body is composed of a president, secretary and two commissioners. Each sub-
district is under the care of a Board of Trustees, three in number. Of these
three, it requires two to one to decide any matter. The Board of Trustees
employs the teachers, and the Board of Education fixes their salary. The
amount of salary differs in different counties, [running from twenty-five to
fifty dollars per month for teachers holding No. 1 certificates, and less for
2s and 3s. Before they can teach, teachers are required to attend a county
institute for as much as five .days, and to pass an examination on grammar,
United States history, geography, arithmetic, general history, physiology,
civil government, book-keeping, reading, penmanship, orthography and theory
and art of teaching. To obtain a No. 1 certificate they must average ninety
per cent., and not come lower than seventy-five per cent, on any branch. As
was before remarked, the schools could be much improved if the teachers,
County Superintendent, patrons, Trustees and Board of Education, would all
work together for the common weal of the schools. But this they do not do
The law requires .just so much of each school officer, and this he gets through
with just as quickly as possible, and gets it off his mind. Then, too, the salaries
are so poor as to discourage teachers. They merely teach as a stepping stone
to something better not fitting themselves properly for teaching, for the
simple reason th.it they cannot afford to do it, for what they receive for teach-
ing. The County Superintendent is an officer who oversees all the schools in
the county, and the State Superintendent oversees all the schools in the State.
The county institutes are conducted on the following plan: The teachers
meet with the County Superintendent, and one or more institute instructors,
and proceed according to a programme laid down by the State Superintendent,
and consists of a course of lectures in the common school branches and one or
more evening sessions devoted to readings, recitations, &c. They are certainly
not so interesting, and instructing, as they might be made if every one who is,
or should be, interested in the cause of education, did all they could to make
them instructive Free schools are the foundation of one's character in
more ways than one The pupil, it may be unconsciously, but none the less
surely, grows to imitate the teacher in voice, manner, and in fact, in almost
every one of theii most prominent characteristics. The normal schools of
West Virginia, six in number, are so distributed as to be in reach of all persons

166 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

One reason that educational features have improved so much
in this region in the past few years results from the wonderful
development that has taken place by an influx of capital. Prior
to that time, the taxable values were small ; now, they have
increased, and doubtless will continue to do so, making the
educational advantages improve annually. Wise legislation
should be had on the subject, now that the means are in view,
and let the noble work of educating the youth of the country
proceed. Parents should be careful to see that their children
attend regularly, and obtain the advantages offered by the State
in the way of acquisition of knowledge. Individually, knowl-
edge is the strongest weapon in the world except goodness.
And it is incumbent on every one to obtain it as far as possible.
The educational facilities in this section may be said to be fair.

Christian privileges are ample in the region, in every sense
of the word. All the Christian denominations are represented :
Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Meth-
odist, Baptist. Christian, and others. Houses of public worship
are ample, where divine services are held, and Sunday Schools
open for the younger portion of the community. There can be
no doubt of the fact, that among many of the people of this
section there is a rugged morality, by no means harmful, and
through Christian teaching most of the people are members of
some denomination which they support.

When we come to speak of the social status of this region, it
must be understood that everything written is based on oppor-

residing in the State. They are kept up by a State fund, created from a levy
of ten cents on each one hundred dollars valuation, and a tax of one dollar on
each male resident over two years of age. The teachers consist of a principal,
and as many assistants as the school requires, usually from two to four. They
are appointed by a Board of Regents, who have, also, in charge, the school
building and grounds. They are appointed by the Governor. The educational
facilities of the normal schools are very good indeed as preparatory schools.
The courses of study embrace: a business course, a musical course, a literary
course, &c, &c, and rather comprehensive than otherwise. ' Under this head
of normal schools might be embraced the lowest order of graded schools, com-
monly known as "summer normals," and other names to distinguish them from
the State normals. They are gotten up on a primitive style and kept going by
a primitive, and sometimes imaginary, fund. Still they are beneficial to any
community in which they are situated. Many persons claim them to be really
better than the State normals. As to college, but little can be said. There are
some institutions for unfortunates, one located at Romney, for deaf, dumb and
blind, and there is a college for negroes, and some other colleges. Taken
altogether, the school facilities of West Virginia are very good indeed. But
few States have better."

Resources of Central West Virginia. 167

tunity as a foundation stone. Whatever may be the moral
texture of a people, and however true to principles they may
live, they must have opportunity to cultivate the amenities of
life. The social proclivities of a people may be good, yet the
chances wanting for the cultivation of the higher tastes, and
arts with reference to a high plane of literature, and the fine
arts. The inhabitants of this region are by no means unsocial,
or inhospitable. They have decidedly good social qualities, and
in many instances are refined, and invariably have a healthy
tone of morality. In many of the towns of the country, and in
rural districts some people are found who are as capable of
filling a high social position as any we could enumerate. And
as a rule they are universally kind.

Taking the population as a whole, it includes two classes :
the native West Virginian, and the foreigner who has cast his
lot in the State as a permanent resident. As we have intimated
hitherto, the native West Virginians are composed in a manner
of the descendants of two different set of people. The northern
part of Central West Virginia was originally settled by people
from Pennsylvania, and Ohio, while the southern portion of the
same region was peopled by Virginians, and their descendants,
who invaded the wilderness west of the Alleghany Mountains.
These people differed materially in manners, tastes, and customs
— so much so, that in the late civil conflict, their descendants
were often arrayed against each other. In some of the counties,
it was not an unfrequent occurrence for the two opposing
armies to each possess a company of soldiers from the same
county. And even to this day, this difference we have men-
tioned, has prevented that genial, close-knitted fellowship
between man and man, that we see in other communities. The
inhabitants of the region have been often regarded as a clannish,
inhospitable people. This opinion is erroneous. While the
natives are, as a class in manners, a race peculiar unto them-
selves, no more hospitable people can be found after they know
you. But while most people are pleasant, and hospitable to the
stranger until they find he is not worthy of the treatment, the
people of this region must know a man before any of the
amenities of life are extended. And this is but natural. Cut off
from intercourse with the outward world by reason of want of
proper communications, they are unaccustomed to strangers in
many parts of the section. They eye the newcomer with a large
amount of suspicion, that is never dispelled until it is disarmed

163 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

by the foreigner's becoming1 more or less a part of themselves by
continued residence. They naturally regard the stranger as
legitimate prey, when his interests conflict with their own, and
it is a rare thing that a West Virginian is hurt in anyway by
this conflict of interests. However innocent they may appear of
the hustling ways of the world, they are sharp and shrewd.
It is further stated by many that the native West Virginian is
opposed to development. He is not opposed to it — he is unac-
customed to it. It is human nature to go slowly in anything to
which we are unaccustomed. Nearly all the inhabitants of
Lewis, Braxton, Webster, and Nicholas, knew nothing of the
outer world up to a few years ago, when the West Virginia
and Pittsburg Railroad put them in immediate communication
with it. It could not be expected that they should encourage
and support the spirit of progress all at once, when progression
to them, in the sense it was known to the stranger coming in
their gates, was simply an undemonstrated rule. This spirit of
■"standing where our fathers stood," is relegated to the past
when they learn the advantages of material progress, and
improvement, and the rapid development in many parts of the
country is evidence of the fact. It is to be hoped that the spirit
of progress in the future will play just as important a part with
the native-born West Virginian of this region, as it does with
the thrifty citizens of sister States.

The foreigner who has become a native of West Virginia by
adoption, comprises a large percentage of the rapid increase in
the population of Central West Virginia. The vast resources in
coal and oil especially, have invited capital, which has been the
means of development. Manufacturing interests have sprung
up in many places, and this movement of progress has caused a
large influx of population throughout Central West Virginia-
This class mav be said to be a fair average of the American
citizen coming from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Ohio.
It is easily seen, that the development of this region is merely in
its infancy, and the future increase in the percentage of immi-
gration is to be infinitely larger than the past. By intermar-
riage, intercourse, and association, the population of this section
of country will eventually be equal to that of any State in the
Union.

By a retrospective glance of the resources of this section
faintly portrayed, it can be easily seen that it is just in its

Resources of Central West Virginia. 169

infancy. The vast wealth in timber, that has barely been
touched as yet, has occupied the attention of investors, and
■capitalists, since the construction of the West Virginia and
Pittsburg Railroad, and the West Virginia Central Line. The
rich banks of coal, the immense leads of iron, and deposits of
clays, sands, and other minerals, are as yet untouched in the
section. Of all the vast regions of the South and West, of which
there are many possessing possibilities untold, Central West
Virginia stands out in bold relief, second to none. Many
investers have accumulated fortuues, while the working man
has more than earned a living. There is a field here that offers
rare advantages to all who desire to do well. To sum up the
probably future of this region is scarcely a difficult matter if
from the past an insight into the future may be gained. During
the past ten years West Virginia has led every State in the
Union in material progress. In this particular region, the
northern edge of the region has been partially touched, while
the middle and southern portions lie in their native wealth.
Wirt, Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane, Clay, Nicholas, Pocahontas, and
a part of Webster and Randolph, have never been penetrated
by railway facilities. In those counties the primeval forests
have never heard the echo of the woodman's axe to furnish
material for the hand and gang saws ; the vast deposits of min-
erals, such as coal, iron, clays, and stones, lie embedded in their
native state undisturbed by the pick or drill. These must yield
their tribute for the wants of man, giving this section possibili-
ties in the future not possessed by any other region we can
name. And in concluding, it is our pleasure — it becomes our
duty to state, that the section of which we have been writing,
with its scenery, climate, vast resources, and transportation
facilities, must, in the future, become by far the richest of any
we can name, and that, too, from an immigration purely Ameri-
can, to bring forth the wealth that lies on its surface, and is
embedded within the bosom of the earth.

CITIES AND TOWNS

CENTRAL, 'WEST VIRGINIA.

As a natural sequence of events to the wonderful develop-
ment of Central West Virginia within the past ten years, many
cities and towns have sprung into active existence. Without
some notice of these any work on the country would be incom-
plete. It is not within the scope of this work to touch upon
every village, nor to follow in detail the history of each place :
the time and space, as well as proper historical material is want-
ing ; but it is within the proper jurisdiction of the author to
give such an account of the principal towns as will enable the
reader to visit them as points of business, and places of resi-
dence. The cities and towns which should occupy a space in
the work may be named as follows : Parkersburg, Clarksburg,
Weston, Buckhannon, Sutton, Camden-on-Gauley, Pickens,
Piedmont, Bayard, Davis, Hendricks, and Elkins. There are
other towns that might be mentioned, but those adverted to
here, on account of location, resources, and other advantages,
are sure to increase quite rapidly as time passes. In the treat-
ment of these, the utmost impartiality will be used, and neither
person nor place mentioned that is not in some way connected,
with the general progress, and development of the country.

The Author..

Resources of Central West Virginia. 175

CHAPTER XIX.

Parkersburg — Location and Situation of the City. — It& Position
as a Commercial Centre. — Manufacturing Interests. — Pecuni-
ary Facilities. — Educational Features. — Population. — Social
Status of the Place.

Parkersburg, located, in the western borders of Wood County,
is the second city of importance within the limits of the State of
West Virginia. It is situated between the junction of the Ohio
and Little Kanawha Rivers, reaping from this location fine
water advantages, that have played no small part in the growth
and improvement of the place. From the year 1750, when the
place was a struggling hamlet, and took its name from one
Parker, who originally owned the land around, until the present
day, Parkersburg has gradually grown from a mere village to a
thriving city through its commercial position, and manufactur-
ing industries. Before railroads superseded to a large extent
water transportation, all important towns were located on the
Ohio River in West Virginia. The contact with the outer world
which arose by reason of this water transportation, caused
Parkersburg to grow, and like Pomeroy, Mason City, and
Huntington, to become a place of some importance. For many
years, all the trade from the back country centred at Parkers-
burg, which was in constant communication with Cincinnati,
Pittsburg, and Wheling, by means of the Ohio River. Add to
this fact, the further one, that Parkersburg was made the
county seat of Wood, and we have the foundation of its pros-
perity. Through these reasons the town gradually improved
until the year 1852, when the construction of the Parkersburg
Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Grafton, West
Virginia, to this point, opened a new era for the town. (1)

(1) At the time the Baltimore and Ohio was constructed to Parkersburg,
the town had some three thousand inhabitants, and was growing gradually,
increasing at the rate of some one hundred people per annum. The ground
where the Court House now stands, was presented by the "Parker family," to
the town, and the buildings subsequently erected on the lot. The original!
inhabitants of the place immigrated mostly from Pennsylvania, and the North.

176 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or.

The town became a divisional terminus of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railway Company, where shops, round houses, and so
forth, were erected. During the period from 1853 to 1860, the
first discoveries of oil were made in the "volcano uplift," east of
Parkersburg, and refineries began to be located at this point.
The number of operatives necessary to run these works came in,
and merchants followed in train to supply their wants. Other
manufacturing industries followed, and the place steadily
improved until at the present time it has some fourteen thousand
people, with a steady increase.

Parkersburg was happily located with reference to commer-
cial prosperity. Directly situated on the banks of the Ohio, and
Little Kanawha Rivers, it possessed Northern, Southern, East-
ern, and Western outlets. The place became early a central
point for the manufacture of lumber, and building materials for
these reasons : The Little Kanawha River furnished means of
transportation for logs that were floated down the river to
Parkersburg from the interior counties of West Virginia, and at
this point manufactured into lumber. Plants for dressing
and moulding the same were established, and the Ohio River
conveyed the manufactured product North and South. The
advent of the Baltimore and Ohio gave the town a Northern
market, and its increase in material prosperity and inhabitants
soon caused it to grow from a town into a city.

From commercial importance to manufacturing interests is
but a step. Parkersburg took it quite early, and soon had
established within her borders a good list of manufacturing
industries that gave employment to a large number of people.
At present, her manufacturing plants consist of oil refineries,
machine shops, foundries, flouring mills, tanneries, paper and
pulp factories, furniture factories, and wire-nail machine works,
(2) These plants employ a large number of workingmen, who
reside in Parkersburg, and have their homes here.

(2) It is but natural that we should he grateful to any one who by his
genius and thought, has turned his talents to the use of man. It is not gener-
ally known yet it is a fact, that the most useful inventions for the manufacture
of wire nails were first discovered by a resident of Parkersburg. We allude to
the machines for making the nails. Some of the best of these were made, and
patented by Mr. John B. Hastings, who has since become famous in the United
States and Canada, through his discovery of a process for manufacturing the
pig made from the phosphorous iron ores of the South into steel, without the
expense of the process now used. This latter discovery of Mr. Hastings
•deserves more than passing notice, as it will eventually revolutionize the

Resources of Central West Virginia. 177

From a commercial and manufacturing centre of no mean
importance, Parkersburg has grown to quite a railroad point.
In the means of transportation, it is peculiarly situated. The
national Baltimore and Ohio System runs through the place,
giving it fine Eastern and Western markets. The Ohio River
Railroad, extending from "Wheeling to Huntington, gives the
city direct communication with Pittsburg North, and Hunting-
ton South. The Ohio River offers a sharp mode of competition
in the way of transportation, while the Little Kanawha is a
sure avenue for a variety of products from interior counties,
especially timber. No place that we can name in the Southwest
is in quicker communication with the cities of importance than
Parkersburg. This fact enables it to sustain handsome relations
with the outside world in the way of business. It is the ship-
ping and trading point too, of many of the surrounding counties
which gives it increased commercial relations with the East and
West. Large shipping interests exist here both by rail and
water.

The logical result of its commercial and manufacturing
interests, is its financial stability. No place that we can name
is upon a better footing financially than this city. The city
government is careful and prudent, stemming the place free
from financial breakers ; the banks are in a good state, furnish-
ing ample capital for the business of the place, as well as much
money to surrounding places. During tne late stringency, they
paid promptly all depositors in currency, exhibiting the financial
soundness shown by the banking system generally of West
Virginia. The city possesses a fine electric plant, has natural
gas, owns a city railway, and gas works. (3) It is in a healthy,
growing state, that we like to see, and has a wonderful material
prosperity before it.

present processes of converting iron into steel. By means of the mixture of
certain chemicals with the pig when in the converter a steel ij produced, that
can be tempered to suit different purposes. Various products, made by Mr.
Hastings, such as plow-points, tools, and car wheels, stood the most crucial
tests, giving every evidence of their superiority over the product made from
the old methods Of course, Mr. Hastings' process has been opposed That is
but natural. Whatever is intended to revolutionize well-known methods of
proceedure is invariably bitterly opposed at first. So with this process. Hut
its ultimate success is conceded by every man of thought, who has been so
fortunate as to watch one of the tests. Mr. Hastings' knowledge of steel, and
iron is something wcnderlul. and to him we are indebted for more than one
jmpcitant invention.

178 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or.

Educational facilities in Parkersburg are unusually good.
High schools, graded, common, and private ones abound on
every side, giving the young people ample opportunities for the
acquisition of that highest accomplishment, and most powerful
weapon — knowledge. (4) The result is, the young people of
Parkersburg are unusually intelligent, and make fine material
for social purposes. The school buildings of the place are some
of them, models of handsome architecture, that embellish the
city greatly. The city possesses some very handsome buildings,
notably among which, is the United States structure where the
Postoffice is located.

The population of this place cannot be correctly gathered
from the census taken. Many persons reside outside the corpor-
ate limits, and do business in town. By a careful computation,
the number of inhabitants may be said to be some 14,000 people.
These people are kind, hospitable, and intelligent, making a
social status of the most pleasant kind. In many respects, the
inhabitants are superior, and in all the broad domain of the
southern land, it is hard to find a more pleasant place of resi-
dence than Parkersburg, or one in which life is spent more
easily, and delightfully. For all classes, and conditions of life,
the place seems eminently fitted. (5) And it is but just to say,
that while Parkersburg has become quite a city for the section
of country in which it is located, still, there is lacking among a
part of the citizens public spirit to a certain extent. They do
not fully appreciate the force and virtue of encouraging and
supporting industrial movements beneficial in building a city.
Adorned with a sufficiency of this spirit of improvement, Par-
kersburg would naturally increase in size and importance, until
it would soon rival Wheeling in every way.

(3) The modus operandi of the city railrway could be wonderfully improved
by relegating the horse cars to the days of the past, and having cable or elec-
tricity in their stead. There is a move afoot at this time to accomplish the
feat, and we think a successful one.

(4) Too much stress cannot be placed upon the importance of parents
requiring their children to attend school. Except goodness, knowledge is the
most formidable weapon with which we can be armed to tight the battle of life.
Before its immediate power, that of riches, position, social eclat, and politics,
melts away like snowflakes beneath the genial rays of a summer's sun.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 179

(5) Parkersburg has been, and is the residence of some prominent people.
Ex-Governor Jackson, a lawyer of unquestionable talent was a resident of the
place up to his death. Senator Johnson N. Camden resides there. Judge John
J. Jackson, well-known throughout the State, has lived there for years. Geo-
W. Thompson, a brother of W. P. Thompson, the shrewdest financier in the
section, and President of the Ohio River Railroad, makes this city his home.
John B. Hastings, the inventcr, is a familiar figure upon the streets, while
others we have not the space to name live there. All of these men are well-
known beyond the borders of the State, and enjoy an enviable reputation at
home as well as abroad, being both praised and abused, the unerring concom-
itants of greatness.

Traders' National Bank Building, Clarksburg, W. Va.

COL. T. M. JACKSON,
Ex-Professor of Civil Engineering University of Weft Virginia.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 183

CHAPTER XX.

Clarksburg. — Its Favorable Location for a Large City. — Coun-
try Surrounding it. — Agricultural and Mineral Wealth. —
Transportation Facilities. — Cause of Clarksburg's Want of
Growth. — Antagonistic Spirit Against Improvement Decreas-
ing.— Thomas Moore Jackson. — R. T. Lowndes. — Future of
the Place.

If the God of Nature were to ask the Goddess of Prosperity,
which was the best locality for a large city in all the broad
domain of Central West Virginia, she would answer :

"Where Clarksburg is situated ?"

This town, located in Harrison County, West Virginia, lies
in nature's garden, nestling beautifully in a rolling vale on the
banks of the West Fork River. The town is over one hundred
years old, and is the spot where some of the earliest inhabitants
pitched their tents, while the Simpson Brothers were wandering
along the banks of the Buckhannon River, in search of adven-
ture and game. The beauty of the spot, coupled with the wealth
of the surrounding country, attracted settlers until early in the
eighteenth century, when it was quite a village. When Harrison
County was cut off from its parent stem, Clarksburg fell heir to
the county seat, an inheritance that invariably enriched a place
more or less in earlier days. Clarksburg grew slowly, being
settled mostly by people who were descendants of the early
pioneers, and they married, and intermarried, and accumulated
property around them, until the inhabitants of the place became
a "set peculiar unto themselves," and at this day retain much of
the "old fossil odor," that is a thing of the past in this progress-
ing generation of people marking our present epoch. SloAvly
the town grew, supported by the country around, and a few
manufacturing industries, until it has become a place of large
private wealth, and some four thousand people.

That the location of Clarksburg for a large city is a most
suitable one, is undeniably true. Situated in the heart of

1>4 Heritage of the Trans-Alleghany Pioneers, or,

Harrison, one of the richest counties naturally, in West Virginia,
it is surrounded by a magnificent territory. The perfect lime-
stone of the Carboniferous era is fully developed here, rendering
the soil succulent, and productive. Wheat, corn, and oats grow
abundantly around, while hay and bluegrass spring up indige-
nously on the lovely surrounding hills, and in the valleys,
responding generously to the kisses showered upon their surface
by a generous and loving nature. The scenery is grand,
exquisite, and inviting, while the climate is perfect. Rich
mineral deposits, of every description known to the geological
structure of the Devonian, and Carboniferous rocks abound
here : limestone, marble, iron, coal, natural gas, clays, and oil
surround it in prodigal profusion. And the stranger viewing
the place, wonders why it has not increased. The geographical
position, rich resources, and natural wealth, have forced Clarks-
burg to be a town against the most astounding odds : the
wishes, efforts, and desires of its inhabitants to have it grow a
single inch, or improve in any mode whatever, so far as the
past is concerned.

In the first place, the wealth of Clarksburg has always
rested in the hands of old, settled citizens, whose idea of life
consisted in training as their father's did, and the further con-
viction that "all ways*' except their's were wrong ! All spirit of
improvement was looked upon as of a radical nature, not to be
tolerated. Closed in from the outside world, they imagined
Clarksburg was an elysium of an earthly paradise kept sacred
for a few, the entry into which was not to be borne, if made by
the "ungodly stranger!" And they further believed if he was
allowed to enter at all, the privilege was one he should pay for,
however much the benefit might be, from the undertaking he
brought in. (1) Though fully sensible of their wonderful
resources, and blessed with the means of developing them, these
people seemed to think it their privilege to hoard their savings ;
and the duty of the outside world to not only develop those
resources, but pay them for doing so ! But the outside world is
no fool ! Clarksburg has stood at the same thing for fifty years
through the predominance of this spirit, (2) and grown only
from a combination of fortuitous circumstances, beyond the

(1) It is a well known fact that numerous industries in days gone by would
have been located at Clarksburg, but for the exorbitant price of ground
demanded by the citizens, and the antagonistic spirit exhibited by the majority
against any improvement whatever.

Resources of Central West, Virginia. 185

control of human ingenuity to check. And the same circum-
stances will make Clarksburg yet, the largest city in West
Virginia.

But of late days, a new spirit has taken possession of the
younger men. The place is beginning to move. (3) They are
recognizing in a proper way the advantages surrounding their
town, and are inviting capital, and manufacturing interests
within their midst. For the reasons we have named, they will
succeed ; for, such, riches, and resources as surround Clarksburg
Avill eventually be developed by the inexorable law of supply
and demand. The town possesses some good manufacturing
industries now, that consist of : three foundries, machine shops,
tannery, flour mills, planing mills, woolen mills, marble works,
and electric plant. One cause of the growth of Clarksburg to
its present limits is accounted for by the fact that it is finely
situated with reference to railway facilities. The Baltimore
and Ohio runs east and west through the place ; the Monogahela
runs into the town ; the place is the terminus of the West
Virginia and Pittsburg Railway, and several prospective lines
centre here. No place in the South possesses so many advant-
ages to found a large city, as the one of which we are now
writing.

Clarksburg is the centre of the best financial regime in this
country for a plentiful supply of money, and solidity of pecuni-
ary foundation. Its banks are well managed, and conducted,
and have a fine surplus of capital. The people are generally In
good financial circumstances, and the town is a source of pecuni-
ary supply to many of the surrounding places. In fact, it
possesses a surplus of capital that might be handsomely em-

(3) There is no person in Clarksburg to whom greater credit is due for the
progress made by the town than Mr. T. Moore Jackson, formerly Professor of
Civil Engineering in the University at Morgantown, and a gentleman to whom
we have already alluded. Mr. Jackson has been a prominent figure in his State
in the development of the oil fields, and coal interests, and has devoted much
time and thought to the progress of West Virginia in a material way. And
now he is turning his attention to Clarksburg. It is through his efforts that
the handsome block of buildings are now being constructed that comprise a
bank, hotel, opera house, and stores. Mr. R. T. Lowndes, too, is devoting his
energies to the growth of the place, and is erecting through his influence a
large block of buildings. He is also President of the West Virginia and Penn-
sylvania Railroad. Through the united effort of these gentlemen, and a
healthy spirit of competition, Clarksburg has at last begun a move towards
improvement, that should have started forty years ago.

186 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

ployed in more ways than one, and the outlook now is that it
will be employed in the future.

Educational facilities here are exceptionally fine, the town
possessing colleges, high, and graded schools, and a fine Catholic
institution. It would be difficult to find a more intelligent, and
intellectual class of people than those of this place, because the
people believe in education. Christian privileges abound on
all hands, and Divine worship is well supported and attended.
The social status is exceptionally good, and culture, and refine-
ment are the rule. (4)

For the reasons we have named, Clarksburg must some day
become a place of considerable size. Manufacturing industries
will seek so favorable a location, where the raw material exists
in abundance, and railway facilities are at hand. The town has
a remarkable future before it, which if properly handled, will
soon develop it into a city of no small dimensions. The only
question as to Clarksburg's future, is one of time, since the place
is located admirably with reference to resources, transportation
facilities, and those surroundings that usually go to build up a
city. As a place of residence, it is most superior in every way.

(4) Clarksburg- is the home of some of the most cultured and refined people
in the State of West Virginia. Many prominent men have lived there, and are
still residents of the place. Judge Nathan Goff, Judge of United States
District Court, T. Moore Jackson, ex-Professor of Civil Engineering at the
University of Virginia, R. T. Lowndes, President "West Virginia and Pennsyl-
vania Railroad, Jasper Y. Moore, Clerk United States Court, Mr. Basil, Attor-
ney for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Mr. Haymond, Clerk of Court, and a
literateur of uncommon ability, are residents of Clarksburg, These gentlemen,
with their charming families, compose a cultured and social set, representing
the acme of what is pleasant, and charming. Mr. Haymond js now engaged in
preparing a history of Harrison County, which will be a success, when we
consider his ability, and rare historical knowledge.

Mountain Scene near Fairmont.

188 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

CHAFTER XXI.

Fairmont. — County Seat of Marion. — Location, and Situation.
Manufacturing Industries. — Commercial and Financial As-
pect.— Population of the Town. — General Remarks.

Fairmont, the county seat of Marion, lies on the banks of
the Monongahela River, and for its size, is by far one of the
most prosperous towns in this section of country. Marion
County, justly bearing the reputation of being one of the richest
coal counties in West Virginia, fairly bristles with coal mines
around Fairmont, which doubtless have been the primary cause
of the growth of this place. The main seam of Pittsburg coal
lies around the town, which raw material, coupled with the
transportation facilities, have been the elements of success on
which the place is founded. The town lies on the Main Stem of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and since the completion of
the extension of this line to Uniontown, Pa., new things are in
store for Fairmont.

The vast mineral deposits of coal, glass sand, clays, and ore
around Fairmont has already made it a place of no small import-
ance in a manufacturing way. Here we have the following man-
ufacturing industries : a flouring mill, two planing mills,
carriage and wagon factory, electric light plant, and magnificent
glass works. The latter is one of the prettiest industries of its
kind in West Virginia, employing an energetic skilled class of
mechanics. The coal works around, at Monongah, and other
places, affect this place most favorably. Nearly all the employ-
ees reside here, and many own their homes in the place. The
business men of Fairmont are always alive to the interests of
the town, rarely failing to increase its prosperity whenever the
opportunity occurs. (1) The people at large have organized a

(1) Among the residents of this place, none have done more for the
material prosperity of the town, and section, than ex-Governor Fleming. So
well known is Governor Fleming, that it is barely sufficient to name him to
convey to the reader exactly who he is. on account of his enviable notoriety
as a politician He has become largely interested in the resources of Central

Resources of Central West Virginia. 189

corporation known as the ''Fairmont Development Company,'1
that has succeeded wonderfully in developing the town. (2)
Too much credit cannot be given a move of this kind, when it is
conducted in a prudeut, careful, and conservative manner as
this is carried on.

The result of these industries, with the coal works around
Fairmont, has been, to put the place on an unusually good
merca ntile and financial footing. The mercantile trade is as good
as that of any place we can name, while banking facilities are
ample and sufficient for every purpose. The place has one of the
best hotels in the State, and many other advantages we could
name. (3)

The population of Fairmont at present numbers some four
thousand people, and is composed of the best make-up in the
way of population in the State. Educational facilities are
unusually fine here, there being normal schools in addition to
the graded and common ones.

From its location, and situation, with its transportation
facilities, Fairmont has the brightest outlook before it. (4)

West Virgi nia. and no one has done more for its advancement in a material
way than he. He has studied, written, and lectured upon the subject, both at
home and abroad, and to him the State at large is deeply indebted. He now
resides at Fairmont, in which he takes the keenest zest and interest.

(2) The organization of the Fairmont Development Company, was one that
is a credit to the town and country. The object of the concern is to olfer
inducements in the way of sites, &c, to industries that would locate there.
This move has been the cause of more than one plant being located at Fair-
mont, and has within its means liberal offers to industries desiring to locate.
But few places offer superior advantages than those given by Fairmont to
industrial plants.

(3) The bridge crossing the yawning chasm at Fairmont, connecting the
town, is a marvel in height.

(4) In addition to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Fairmont has the
Monongaliela River Railroad, which runs from Clarksburg to this point.

' ' '■!®EKffiM$::? : '

Resources of Central West Virginia. 191

CHAPTER XXII.

Weston. — County Seat of Lewis. — Situation and Surroundings
of the Town. — Insane Asylum. — Central Point of West Virginia
and Pittsburg Railroad Company. — Merchantile and Financial
Aspect. — Manufacturing Industries. — Educational and Social
Sphere of the Town. — Prominent People.

Weston, pleasantly located on the banks of West Fork
River, in Lewis County, is one of the oldest towns in this section
of the State. In the 18th century, when the early pioneer was
marking off settlements, Weston took its beginning, and was
first named Fleshersville, after one Flesher, who gave the ground
to the town when the first county buildings were erected. After-
wards, it was made the county seat of Lewis, and its name
changed to "Weston/11 on account of its location. Like most of
the county seats, it became a centre of trade, until some four or
five hundred souls were congregated together, It was due to
the enterprise of the citizens of this town that the West Virginia
and Pittsburg Railroad was first begun, and the narrow gauge
road that was afterwards completed, is still fresh within the
minds of the people. The location of the town so far as country
goes is an admirable one. Situated in a lovely valley of the
spurs of the Alleghany Mountains, surrounded by rolling ridges,
it occupies the best agricultural region in Lewis, that is equal to
that of any county we can name. Its location, coupled with
several fortuitous circumstances, which we shall detail, has
made it one of the brightest points for business and residence
in this section of West Virginia.

One of these fortunate occurrences that helped to make
Weston was the location here of the Asylum for the Insane.
This institution lies on the western edge of town, and on account
of its spacious structure, and imposing grounds, is a thing of
beauty as well as use to the town. Here, numbers of patients
are confined, from all points of the State, and the support ren-
dered by the State, in equipping, and maintaining it, places

DOCTOR A. H. KCJNST,

Of Weston, W. Va., late Assistant Superintendent of Asylum for Insane at

Weston, now Vice-President and General Manager of the West Virginia

and Pittsburg Railroad.

192 Heritage of the Trims- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

thousands of dollars in the town of Weston. The building is
constructed out of the pretty blue standstone we have already
mentioned, and is one of the most beautiful structures in the
State. It is admirably managed, and is homelike, and comfort-
able in every way. (1) It was a'n entering wedge in Weston's
growth from th*e time of its location.

But the building and construction of the narrow gauge
system, from Clarksburg to Weston, and subsequently extended
to Buckhannon, gave Weston a wonderful impetus forward.
This point was made the central offices of the road, and after-
wards, when the gauge was changed from a narrow to a broad
one, and the line extended from this point te-Sutton, in Braxton
County, and Camden-on-Gauley, in Webster, the place felt the
extension, and grew accordingly, until the town has some
twenty-five hundred people, and has become quite a commercial
centre. Here, the main offices, and repair shops of the West
Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad are located, giving employment
to quite a number of people residing here. This has brought
merchants, mechanics, and pecuniary institutions, which make
the place a thriving business centre. Several large manufactur-
ing industries are here, principally among which may be named:
a foundry, and machine shops, woolen mills, creamery, furniture
factory, two flour mills, saw mill, and planing mill. These are
in a safe, flourishing condition, making good the assertion that
this point would be an admirable place for the location of either
iron, or wood-working plants, (2) Profitable investments could
be made in either one or the other, on account of transpor-
tation facilities, and propinquity of the raw material, coal,
timber, and iron.

As a place of residence, Weston can be heartily endorsed for
the average person. Scholastic advantages are remarkably good.

(1) At present, the asylum is under the charge of Dr. Crumbecker from
Ohio. His knowledge and experience in the case of such institutions are great,
which, combined with lirmncss and kindness, makes him admirably fitted for
the government of such an institution.

(2) On the extension of the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad toward
Braxton and AVebster, large timber forests are in existence, comprising every
variety of hardwood. Near the town, north, are the Mount Clare coal fields,
that could furnish large quantities of coal. The iron ere fields of Braxton are
near by, and the propinquity of all this raw material gives an idea of the suita-
bility of Weston as a manufacturing centre. We can name no better place.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 193

The town has both graded and common schools, that offer good
educational facilities for the young. The place has a remarkably
fine set of business people, among whom are some persons of
unusual culture, and literary talent. (3) The result is, Weston
in many respects has a fine social set, within whose precincts
the most fastidious could enjoy himself, and derive knowledge,
as well as pleasure. Some of the older people of the State
reside here, among whom many are descendants of Virginians.
(4) Through their efforts, enterprise, and judicious management
the town has grown until it occupies a place in history, and its
epoch is necessarily drawn along the lines of future growth,
and improvement.

(3) Probably some of the most cultured people in this section reside in
"Weston. Mr. Itobert Bland, son of Dr. Bland, is a brilliant writer, and gentle-
man of marked genius. Mr. K. H. Harrison, editor of the '"Democrat,'" Mr.
Edwards, of the "State Times," are both broadly cultivated. Dr. A. H. Kunst,
as shown by his treatise : "Freaks of the Brain," has exhibited no small talent
for literary endeavor. Judge Henry Brannon, Judge John Brannon, Judge W-
G. Bennett, Dr. G. B. Simpson, and M. W. Harrison, are gentlemen of unusual
culture and education.

(4) Among the prominent people in Weston forming the set to which we
have adverted may be named; the Bennetts, the Harrisons, the Blands, (he
.Kunsts, the Livelys, the Simpsons, the Brannons, the Newlons, the Davissons*
and others. These compose a fair social stratum that in many respects are
distinct from the "vox populi" of Weston. This place was also the residence
•of the Camdens at one time.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 195

CHAPTER XXIII.

Btickhannon. — Location, and Situation. — Growth of the Place.
Present Mercantile, and Manufacturing Aspect of the Town.
Scholastic Features. — Pickens. — Its Wonderful Growth. —
Manufacturing Industries There. — G. M. Whitecarver.

Ascending the Alleghany spurs by a branch of the West
Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, in an easterly direction, we
come to Buekhannon, a charming town, that is the county seat
of Upshur. (1) This is one of the oldest places in the section,
having been marked as a settlement when the Simpsons, David
Files, and Tygart first wandered through this region. It is
beautifully situated in a basin, composed of a lovely plateau,
and presents one of the prettiest natural locations for a city that
it has been our good fortune to see. It is surrounded by a fine
agricultural region, and from the trade of the country around,
grew to quite an important place, even before the advent of the
West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. Since then, it has grown
rapidly, and has a good reputation abroad as a place of business
and residence.

It has quite a list of manufacturing plants, and is solid in a
financial way. Here may be found flour mills, a furniture
factory, marble and granite works, and one of the largest lumber
plants in the State. (2) In addition to these, the town is the
central position, and home office of several industries -that
extend their influence through the counties of Upshur, Ran-
dolph, Webster, and Nicholas. These latter industrial plants,

(1) Originally, when the early settlers came westward, this point was one
of the first settlements made. While Files and Tygart were trodding along
Tygart's Valley River, Simpson christened this place 'Buchanan," after
Colonel Buchanan, of Virginia tame, in Botetourt County. Subsequently, this
town was changed in name from Buchanan to 'Buekhannon," for some reason
that has never been so truthfully given, as to justify the historian in relating
it as a fact.

(2) The Buekhannon Lumber Plant has a manufacturing capacity of some
50,000 feet per diem. It employes a large number of operatives, and has been an
important lactor in the growth of the place.

196 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

(the Newlon coal works, and A. J. Giffen lumber plants,) have
their central offices here, and work a large number of operatives
through the various counties we have named. (3)

As a social place, and one for educational facilities, Buck-
hannon cannot be surpassed. The inhabitants comprise a fine
grade of people, quiet, educated, hospitable, and refined. As
may be imagined, particular attention is paid to the dissemina-
tion of knowledge, and the town possesses some fine schools.
There is a college, a high school, and both graded and common
schools, that draw many strangers within the precincts of their
classic shade for an increase of knowledge. On the whole in
this respect the town has no superiority any where.

The place has a fine commercial standing, and no little
wholesale trade through the State. Its class of buildings are
unusually good, and it possesses an electric plant. The name of
the place is a synonym with the words, intelligence and refine-
ment, to all acquainted with Buckhannon, and the very air sur-
rounding the place gives a stranger the proper impression of the
town. There is a staid population of some 2,700 people, with a
strong tendency for an increase of inhabitants. A short time
back, the County of Upshur voted quite a large subscription to
a newly-projected railroad to run from Belington to Buckhan-
non. The construction, and completion of this would of course
cause the place to grow more rapidly.

(3) The coal works to which we allude are run by Dr. Newlon, of Buckhan-
non. The mines are located a few miles east of the town, possessing- a branch
line from the West Virginia and Pittsburg- Road. The output of these mines
is large, and the seam of coal from which the product is mined, already-
alluded to in chapter on "Mineral Resources." A. J. Giffen deserves the grati-
tude of the people of this section, He has four or five saw mills located in the
region.we have named, and dispenses a large pay-roll, giving employment to
the people. His sagacity, business qualities, and energy, have been used for
the development of West Virginia's timber resources.

Mountain ticene.

198 Heritage of the Trans-AUeghany Pioneers, or,

PICKENS !

Where is Pickens, and what is Pickens ? — is usually asked
when the place is mentioned abroad ! It is the youngest, and
most advanced place for its age in West Virginia.

Less than three years ago, the traveller who ascended the
Buckhannon River some twenty-five miles, traversed an unbro-
ken forest where the variegated foliage shaded the violets, and
the laurel and linden struggled for rays of sunlight, beneath the
dense foliage of primeval poplars, hemlocks, and oaks. But
amid these wilds, Senator Camden, Mr. C. K. Lord, and Mr. G.
M. Whitescarver discovered the value of the lordly forests around.
The result was, a large territory of valuable timber was pur-
chased ; the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad was extended
southeast from Buckhannon, and the spot where Pickens now
stands, chosen as the sight for a large lumber manufacturing
plant, that has made the place since, quite a town. The town
has become within the space of two years a place of some four
hundred people, with one of the finest manufacturing plants for
manipulating lumber in the State. In conjunction with this, is
a manufactory of material for making cigar boxes, that is
shipped both East and West. (1) These industries required a
large number of operatives, and the logical result was a town
within two years of more than three hundred people, engaged
in profitable undertakings.

(1) The industries located here are of such a nature as to demand more
than a mere passing notice. The lumber plant has a daily capacity of some
60,000 feet, and comprises the most modern equipments, appliances, and
machinery. In connection with this lumber plant, to utilize what would be
virtually cast off material, is a factory making- a stained material for the man-
ufacture of cigar boxes, that is greatly in demend, Such industries are rare
in this region, and on that account appeals strongly to us. This splendid plant,
employing some two hundred operatives, is under Mr. G. M. Whitecsearver's
management, a gentleman largely identified with the development of the
resources of Central West Virginia. He is a man of wide bnsiness experience,
and most careful and conservative in his views.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 199

But the timber interests are by no means the sole foundation
for Pickens1 future growth ! As we have previously mentioned
the town is situated in a region rich in the class of wealth known
as earthly minerals. Some coal is around — a fine grade of build-
ing stone abounds, and the locality is rich in glass-sand, clays
for pottery, and slates. These minerals have been practically
tested, and are the future foundation of Pickens1 growth. (2)
There can be no doubt of the fact, that these minerals could be
used to a most decided advantage by anyone locating a brick
works, sand-crusher, and masher at Pickens. The slaty-clays,
mingled with the ordinary clay turns out an admirable product
for pressed brick. The glass-sand makes, under practical test,
the best grade of flint glass, while fire-brick, paving-brick, as
well as pottery ware could be profitably turned out. With this
wealth at its doors, and the timber interests, named, it is not
unsafe to predict that Pickens will grow. (3)

(2) It is due to a Mr. Roberts at this place, that the silica brick, and pressed
brick, were tested from the material around. Both classes of brick were made
from the material chosen by him, and took a high premium at the World's Fair
last year. He sent the ingredients from which the product was manufactured.

(3) Pickens takes its name from the "Pickens family," of which Mr. James
Pickens, owner of large interests there, is a member. Mr. Pickens' intimate
knowledge of the country around, and his interest *n its development, has
given him the respect and gratitude of all thinking persons.

£ *" w

Mountain Scene.

Resources of Centra/ West T irginia. 201

CHAPTER XXIV.

Sutton:i- Its Location on the Banks of Elk River. — County Seat
of Braxton. — Population. — Manufacturing Industries. — Lum-
ber Shipments. — Commercial Aspect. — Some General Remarks
on the Place.— Camden-011-Gauley. — Southern Terminus of the
the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. — Manufacturing
Interests There. — Advantages of Camden- on-Qauley as a
Summer Resort. — Hotel Camden. — Col. J. A. Fickenger. — Capt.
J. W.Mudd — Some Remarks as to Camden-on-Qauley'' s Future.

Leaving "Weston, the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad
runs southward, a distance of thirty-nine miles to Platwoods,
where it branches again, one extension going six miles southwest
to Sutton, the county seat of Braxton ; the other, southeast to
Camden-on-Gauley.

Sutton, sometimes known as Braxton C. H., lies on the
banks of Elk River, one of the loveliest rivers in West Virginia
for the wildness, and native beauty of its scenery. Between
two mountains, in a lovely valley, on the winding stream,
nestles the town, which when regarded in its proper light, has
necessarily a future before it. When Braxton County was cut
off from its parent county, Sutton was then something of a
village, and the advent of the extension of the West Virginia
and Pittsburg Railroad gave a new impetus to things. The
country surrounding the town is above the average of West
Virginia's mountainous region in an agricultural manner, and
gave the town quite a good support all the time. After the
railroad reached the place, new blood arrived to be put in its
material arteries, for Sutton grew rapidly. Manufacturing
industries came in. First, the Pardee-Curtain Lumber Company
erected its plant, on a gigantic scale, that gave employment to
a number of people. (1) From the fact that Sutton was the
terminus of the railroad in this region, it became a fine shipping
point, gathering all the exporting material from the southern

(1) This plant having- its works on the western edge of Sutton, is one of
the largest, and most comprehensive of its kind in West Virginia. It has a
daily output of some 75,000 feet, and its mills, yards, and appliances, are all of
the most costly and perfect kind for the manufacture of lumber.

202 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

part of Braxton, and all of Clay. All the portable saw mills in
the section sent their product here for shipment, so, it became
one of the largest timber depots on the road. From this immense
business, the place grew, until it is now a town of nearly 2,000
people, with a fair trade, pecuniary institutions, and several
manufacturing plants. It is the commercial, and trading mart
of this whole region which is without a railroad, and is daily
increasing in size.

But their are certain points to be named in connection with
Sutton that may eventually make it larger than it is. There is
a railway line now in course of construction, called the Charles-
ton, Clendinnen and Sutton Railroad. Already, the road runs
from Charleston up Elk River some thirty miles, and arrange-
ments are now afoot for raising the means of constructing it to
Sutton, to connect with the West Virginia and Pittsburg Rail-
road. This line would follow Elk River all the way, penetrating
the rich minerals of Clay County, and from a natural sequence
of events would enhance Sutton's population, and improve its
growth. Elk River is of wonderful service to the place in the
way of water power, being the principal mode by which rough
timber is floated down the river in the shape of logs for the saw
mills, et cetera.

This town, from its natural situation, and water power,
would be a fine location for wood-working plants, and other
manufacturing industries. Especially, if Clay County was pene-
trated by the Charleston, Clendinnen, and Sutton Railroad would
this be true. This would open up the vast timber, and mineral
resources of Clay, that would be drawn to Sutton, as the ship-
ping point for eastern, western, and northern trade.

As a general thing, the population of Sutton is composed of
the descendants of the original pioneers of West Virginia.
They are a good business people, and unusually kind and hospi-
table. (2) Many are in more than a comforable state of life,
while all are well to do, being engaged in the usual avocations
of life that make, and build up a place, From a careful inspec-
tion, the financial, and mercantile bases of Sutton are unusually

(2) Some of the best people in West Virginia are residents in, and around
Sutton, in Braxton County, among whom may be mentioned: the Camdens,
Berrys, Hyers, Morrisons, Gross', Bynes, Blands, Newlons, Haymonds, Hum-
phreys, Rollysous, Singletons, Squires, and others. Many members of these
families have filled prominent positions in public life, political and otherwise.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 203

good and sound, resulting from the people being principally
engaged in paying pursuits.

The scholastic advantages of the town are amply sufficient
for the needs of the place. Both high and graded schools are
here, and it is one of the places in the section where the summer
institutes are held. Some fine talent in a cultured way has
come from Sutton, and the neighborhood, that speaks well for
the early education of persons in this region. (3) Nor is this
acquisition of knowledge confined alone to the male sex. Some
of the softer ones possess literary talent as well. (4)

The moral tone of Sutton in many respects is unusually
good. It has been by some criticised, but justice demands that
this criticism be laid aside as untrue, malicious, and unjust.
The people are peculiarly free from intoxication and its attend-
ant evils, and taken as a whole, are very good, kind, and
pleasant — more so, than in other places we might name if we
were desirous of so doing. For many purposes, and reasons,
Sutton commends itself to the public as a point for manufactur-
ing interests, and those who have engaged in mercantile and
financial pursuits have done well.

(3) One of the most talented, and learned men now in the South, comes
from one of the prominent families of Sutton. We allude to Prof. Humphreys,
Professor of Greek in the University of Virginia at the present time. Educated
in the classic shades of Washing-ton and Lee University, in Lexington, Va,, he
exhibited early a decided talent for mathematics, and the languages. He filled
a chair there as Professor of Mathematics, and was afterwards called to the
University of Texas, where he made a mark of decided distinction. Subse-
quently, upon the resignation of Prof. Gildersleeve from the chair of Greek at
the University of Virginia, he was called to fill that, and now resides at Char-
lottesville, Va. He is one of the most learned men in the South, possessing a
broad culture on all subjects rarely attaiued by any man — scarcely ever, by
one so young as he is at the present time. On mathematics, astronomy, or
Greek, we doubt if he has a superior anywhere, and he is in addition to all, a
good writer. He mastered all this knowledge by his unaided efforts, and now
sheds a bright lustre over the name of his family, and native State, both of
which are equally proud of him.

(4) Miss Annie L. Berry, whose pen has attracted attention by her descrip-
tive writing, and the author of the article on public schools given in a former
chapter of this work, is a native of Braxton County, living near Sutton. She
*s the daughter of Mr. E. A. Berry, Sheri'J of Braxton County, and a descendant
of one of the oldest families in this section. Miss Berry's composition and
powers of diction are extremely pure, and beautiful. Around the whole is
thrown the charm of unconscious simplicity, that appeals so strongly to every
intelligent reader. Considering her talents, and the fact she is but nineteen,
years of age, it is not unsafe to predict a bright literary career,for her, if her
versatile powers are properly trained and utilized.

Mountain Scene.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 205

CAMDEN-ON-GA.ULBY.

Moving np Elk River from Flatwoods, by the West Virginia
and Pitsburg Railroad to Camden-on-Gauley, a distance of some
forty-three miles, we have a vista of scenery that pen-pictures
fail to describe. The stream winds about in its tortuous course,
leaping over boulders of rock here, and rushing down ever a
ledge of rocks there, forming falls and pools in rotation. The
gigantic forest trees, shade the crimson of the sumac, and glisten-
ing green of the laurel ; while the honeysuckle, and violet, peep
from under the white blooms of the dogwood. When nature
smiled upon the country around Camden-on-Gauley, she
imprinted her loveliest salute upon it, and left us nothing to
desire in the way of beautiful scenery.

The original cause of Caruden-on-Gauley's becoming a town,
resulted from the purchase of an immense body of timber-lands
consisting of 140,000 acres in Webster, Pocahontas and Nicholas
Counties, by Senator Camden; who connected it with the West
Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. When the Gauley Lumber
Company was formed, Mr. C. K. Lord, Third Vice-President of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, became interested
in the plant, and he, and Mr. Camden determined to develop it.
A railroad was projected from Flatwoods to Camden-on-Gauley,
(then Lane's Bottom,) and arrangements were made for placing
down what has since proven the most immense, and gigantic
lumber plant in West Virginia. Only a few years ago this work
was begun, and at the time, the country was a wild ; unkempt,
without any material industry whatever. The machinery for
this large plant, that cost over $140,000, was first hauled from
the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, a distance of fifty miles. By
the time the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad reached
Camden-on-Gauley, the lumber plant was completed, and ready
for work. (1) It is acknowledged to be the best of its kind in
the State, and connected with it, is a planing mill, and dry kiln of

(1) This plant is the most expensive, and complete of its hind in West
Virginia. It has a daily capacity of 100,000 feet, and when both band saws are
running- can produce a great deal more than that. From the steam engine,
driving the large carriers, and saws, to the overhead tracks for conveying off
and loading lumber, the whole equipment is nearly perfect, and one can
imagine the value of such a plant in an industrial way.

206 Heritage of t7ie Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

large dimensions. A portable saw mill is used also, and the ship-
ment of ties and logs, another branch of this lumber plant. Some
three hundred operatives are employed in all the various
departments at times, so we need not feel surprised that within
the period of eighteen months Camden-on-Gauley grew from
nothing, to a thriving, business place of more than four hundred
people.

In addition to the industries already alluded to, others exist
here, that give the place a good support as well. This place
being the terminus at this end, of the West Virginia and Pitts-
burg Railroad, is a good shipping point. Especially is this true
with reference to lumber, large qualities of which are hauled to
Camden-on Gauley in its manufactured state. This business
increases the mercantile trade of the town, and gives employ-
ment to a large number of people. Merchants, mechanics, and
professional men have followed in the train of these various
undertakings, to fill the usual wants and requirements of
humanity. The large lumber plant here is supplied with logs
by means of dams, and a boom in Gauley River, all of which
were constructed under many difficulties, and amid a great
many hardships. (2)

But Camden-on-Gauley is not only a place of manufacturing
power, but a pleasant summer resort as well. Turn where we
may ; look as we choose ; and, we can find no place in West
Virginia (the springs region not excepted), that affords more
desirable advantages as a summer resort. The topography of"
the country is varied ; the scenery exquisite, while the summer
climate is superior to that of any other point in West Virginia.
The hottest days of July and August pass unheeded here,
because a fan is unnecessary in the shade. The nights are
delightfully cool, covering being comfortable. Mosquitoes, agues,

(2) The completion of this immense plant was effected by Colonel J. A
Eickengei-, who has since had charge of the works as General Manager. He has
beer: connected in many ways with the development of the resources of this
section, and has" considerable executive, as well as administrative talent.
Originally from Ohio, he is a civil engineer, having held the position of Assist-
ant Engineer on the Ohio River Railroad. Subsequently, he was made Chief
Engineer of the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad, which position he now
occupies. He engineered, and constructed the branch from Flatwoods to
Camden-on-Gauley, by far the best piece of road possessed by the system.
Since then, he has devoted himself to the interests of Camden-on-Gauley. as
General Manager of the Gauley Lumber Company.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 207

or chills, are unknown, while Hotel Camden furnishes the most
charming and delightful quarters. (3) Those who have been so
fortunate as to have visited Camden-on-Grauley in the summer,
speak loudly in its praise. To all seeking pleasure, comfort, and
rest, it can be warmly commended in every sense of the word.

(3) This hostlery, by its well-appointed furnishings, and carefully prepared
cuisine, has established an enviable reputation throughout this State. It is
situated on an eminence facing the Gauley River, with a spurof the Alleghany
on the opposite side of the river, giving the beholder a weird vista of mountain,
stream, and scenery. The hotel is in charge of Captain J. W . Mudd, who has
been at Camden-on Gauley since its incipiency. He is a gentleman who has
watched and assisted in the development of the two Virginias for a number of
years. He is a brother of Dr. Mudd, who wrote the well known letter identify-
ing Wilkes Booth's demise. The Captain was purchasing Quartermaster for
the Army of Northern Virginia in the late Civil War, and has had ample
opportunities to watch passing events, as well as those acting a part in them.

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Resources of Central Wen Virginia. 209

CHAPTER XXV.

Grafton. — Cause of its Growth. — Situation and Location of the
Town.— Manufacturing Industries.— Divisional Termination.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. — Population of the Place.

Grafton, the county seat of Taylor, lies directly upon the
line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, being a large
divisional termination for both the Cincinnati, and Chicago
Branches of the Baltimore and Ohio System. This town may
be said to be purely a creation of the great system running
through it, although there are other manufacturing industries
within its limits now. Early in the year 1853, when the Balti-
more and Ohio was being constructed westward, the place was a
mere hamlet, but as the line made it an important terminal
point, it grew rapidly. At last, the Court House was moved
from Prunteytown. some miles west, and placed at Grafton, a
move that redounded greatly to the benefit of the latter place.
As time passed on, the business of the railroad increased, and
consequently, the town grew from the enlargement of shops,
round houses, and the crews. People at last began turning
their attention towards Grafton as a place of investment, until
the town has some 3,500 people or more.

Grafton is somewhat of a manufacturing place, having the
following plants within its limits : two flouring mills, two
planing mills, a foundry, and saw mill plant. These do a fairly
nice business, and thrive as well as other industries of a like
nature elsewhere. And there can be no doubt that other manu-
facturing industries, either in the manufacture of iron, or the
products from fire clays, would do very well at Grafton. Both
materials are found in Taylor County in large quantities. (1)
The place has wonderful railway facilities. Here, Cincinnati,
Chicago, and St. Louis in the West, are in daily and direct
communication with the place, while New York, Philadelphia,
and Baltimore are close at hand. We can scarcely name any
place blessed with better railway facilities.

(1) At Cove Run, nine miles south of Grafton, on the line of the Greenbriar
and Grafton Division of the Baltimore and Ohio, is found large quantities of
iron ore, coal and fire clays. Limestone abounds at this point as well, all of
which would bear transportatior to Grafton

210 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

But Grafton, like most divisional points on large railway
systems, derives its chief supports from the railroad company
itself. Without careful examination it is impossible to under-
stand, and appreciate the effect of the bearing upon a town by
a line that has its end of a division there. In the first place,
the construction of the repair shops, car sheds, round houses,
and yards, mean a large expenditure of money and capital.
The change of crews necessitates residences, homes, and board-
ing places, for the emyloyees, which means an additional
expenditure of money. Then the train of merchants, mechanics
and money institutions follow to supply the wants of the people.
So, with all the ramifications in a matter of this nature, it will
be readily seen that such divisional terminations mean a great
deal for a place. And in this respect Grafton has been particu-
larly fortunate. The Baltimore and Ohio is double-tracked as
far as Grafton. Then, one line goes to Cincinnati ; thence to
St. Louis ; while another goes to Chicago, via Wheeling, and
Bellaire. Two divisional stops really centre at this place, and
as long as the Baltimore and Ohio System increases, Grafton
must increase also. The result of this activity in railway circles
causes the place to be quite a mercantile centre, and Grafton, in
addition, has become a trading mart for the surrounding country.

The population of Grafton, numbering some 3,500 souls, is
largely composed of the class of people known as : "railroad
men !" Many of these are industrious, sober, and good citizens,
owning their homes, and investing their surplus money. The
place has good schools, and fine privileges in many respects.
On the whole, it is a substantial town, and one among many
that owes its existence and support to the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad Company. This system has its divisional offices here,
as well as a fine hotel, that is a great advantage to the town.
We feel sure that the place has a stable foundation on which to
rest, from the fact the shops, yards, and so forth, erected by the
Baltimore and Ohio are of such a magnitude that they can.
scarcely be moved consistent with true economy. And as that
is a virtue of most systems now-a-days, wre have very good assur-
ance that Grafton must continue to increase.

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212 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneer a, or,

CHAPTER XXVI.

Location of Piedmont. — A Divisional Point on the Baltimore
and Ohio. — Westernport. — Man ufacturing Industrie* Located
There. — Formerly, Terminus of West Virginia central and
Pittsburg Railroad. — Population. — Educational Facilities.
General Rem irks.

There is a great deal in connection with Piedmont, that
renders it superior to the average town in a great many respects.
Located on the upper part of the Potomac River, in Mineral
County, it has the advantage of competitive railway systems,
that is not accorded larger places in many instances. The
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad runs through the town, while the
"West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad goes through
Westerport on the other side of the river. This latter line
connects at Cumberland, Maryland, with the Cumberland
Valley Division of the Pennsylvania System. The Cumberland
and Pennsylvania Railroad running by Mt. Savage and other
important places has its termination at this point also.

The beginning of the growth of Piedmont may be attributed
to the construction of repair shops, and round houses, by the
Baltimore and Ohio, and making the town another one of its
divisional stops. This gave the place an impetus towards
improvement, that was greatly accelerated by the fact that
Westernport (a town across the river from Piedmont), was for
quite awhile the terminus of the West Virginia Central Railroad.
This place may be said to be a part of Piedmont now, as both
towns have a complete unity of interest.

Piedmont has become quite a manufacturing centre of late
years. The large paper and pulp mills of Luke Bros, are located
here, that are sufficient within themselves to create a town, (1)
and get nearly all their raw material from the neighboring

(1) These paper mills employ some two hundred operatives, and have an
unusually good plant and equipment. The houses for the employees, with the
buildings of the works constitute a small town within themselves, that attract
the attention of every one. Just such industries as this one, is what West
Virginia needs to develop its resources.

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214: Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

counties. They manufacture large quantities of every variety
of paper, that is sold to the wholesale dealers in all parts of the
North and East. Another very pretty industry here is the
Piedmont Machine Works, that is a part and parcel of the Twin
Towns Manufacturing Company, an organization formed to locate
industries here. (2) Piedmont is undoubtedly a good point for
the location of manufacturing industries.

As before mentioned, this point was at one time the terminus
of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad, which
now runs to Cumberland, Maryland, instead. Being on that
account the shipping terminus of this system for quite a while,
it derived considerable benefit from that position.

The repair shops of the Baltimore and Ohio as a divisional
terminal are located here, and have been the bone and sinew of
the town. Many employees reside here, and the shops and
yards are quite imposing, while the money expended in Pied-
mont from this source is quite an item to the place. It not only
increases the mercantile stability of the place, but makes the
town a trading centre for the surrounding country on that
account. The Railroad Company has a splendid depot con-
structed here, which adds greatly to the appearance of things,
as well as comfort of the passengers.

The population of Piedmont, together with Westernport,
numbers some 3,500 people. They are energetic, reliable, and
good Dusiness people in every way. The manufacturing interests
here are due more or less to the energy and patriotism of the
people with reference to Piedmont.

(2) This incorporation, known as the "Twin Towns Manufacturing Com-
pany," has for its object the development of the resources of West Virginia,
and on that account is entitled to more than a mere notice. The object of the
organization was to induce capital to locate at Piedmont for the purpose of
using the raw material in the section. They purchased a large boundary of
land west of Westernport, that is admirably located for manufacturing sites.
Already they have located a nice plant, known as the Piedmont Machine
Works. This industry is for the manufacture of all kinds of machinery, turned
out in an ordinary plant that is composed of, foundry casting shop, pattern,
and machine shops. In particular, do they adhere to the construction, and
repairing of all kinds of mining cars, and mine materials. The works employ
quite a number of operatives, who live in Piedmont, and Westernport. Owing
to profusion of the raw material, there can be no doubt that the Twin Towns
Manufacturing Company can offer are inducements to any one wishing to
establish a fire-brick works or pottery establishment. The clays are prolific
near this point.

Resources of Central West Virginia. 215

Educational facilities in Piedmont are unusually good. In
addition to the usual grade of common schools, and graded ones,
the place has a fine high school under charge of a most compe-
tent, and efficient gentleman. (3) The facilities here strike us
as remarkably good for obtaining all the rudiments of learning
necessary to equip us for the battle of existence, that most of us
have to engage in, while sojourning in this life,

Taking all things into consideration, this place impressed us
with unusual force, owing to its railway facilities, and character
of industries located here. That it is a point where other man-
ufacturing plants could be located with success is true, and we
feel safe in predicting that Piedmont, sooner or later, will be the
chosen spot for many undertakings in an industrial, and com-
mercial way, that are not located there at present.

(3) Prof. O. H. Bruce, is the Principal of the school in this place. He is also
editor of the "Daily Herald," and Secretary of the Twin Towns Manufacturing
Company. He possesses a fine sense of intellectual development, and is an
enterprising business man. He is largely interested in the development of
Piedmont.

£

Resources of Central West Virginia. 217

CHAPTER XXVII.

Towns Along the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad.
Bayard. — Davis. — JElkins. — Conclusion.

In a former chapter on the West Virginia Central and Pitts-
burg- Railroad, we have already alluded to the development
inaugurated by this line, not least among which is the growth
of several good towns along the line of that system. The first
we reach after leaving Piedmont on the main line is :

BAYARD. (1)

Bayard lies in Grant Country, directly upon the line of the
West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad. It has grown
quite rapidly since its commencement a few years ago, until it
has become one of the largest and most prosperous places on
the line. The cause of its growth may be attributed to two
large industries that could not fail to attract attention. One is
the Buffalo Lumber Company, that was located there, and
which is one of the most successful of its kind in this section of
country. The plant works some seventy-five or eighty opera-
tives, and has a daily capacity of over 40,000 feet per diem. It
has been very successfully managed, that accounts in a measure
for the growth of the town. (1) Another very large industry
located here is the Middlesex Leather Company. This plant
employing a large number of operatives, manufactures leather

(1) This town takes its name after Senator Bayard, from Wilmington, Del.,
who is now Minister Plenipotentiary at the English Court.

(1) Mr. C. B. Rees, from Keyser, West Virginia, has been so closely identi-
fied with the interests and growth of Bayard, that he is virtually a part of it:
having faith in the town, he gained large interests there, and was made Presi-
dent of the Buffalo Lumber Company, which owes much of its success to his
ripened business knowledge. He is greatly interested in the development of
the resources of this section, and is a firm believer in the bright future of
West Virginia's material wealth. He has fostered, and encouraged, the growth
of this place in every way possible, and given both his time and attention to
that object. His efforts so far have met with success, and the future in this
respect is a bright one for him.

218 Heritage of the Trans- All eghany Pioneers, or,

from the raw hides which finds a ready market in Boston, and
other eastern marts. The accessibility of tanning bark at this
point, is doubtless the cause of the industry being located here.
Large quantities of hemlock timber are found not far from the
town. The North Branch Coal and Coke Company has its prin
cipal office here, and is a thriving industry in every way. (2)

These large plants caused Bayard to grow considerably.
But the place has other resources that will be most material in
assisting in its future growth. Around the town, large deposits
of coal, clays, and glass sand exist. (3) Bayard, on account of
the timber resources, would be an admirable place for the man-
ufacture of wood-working material. A bric-a-brac factory, a
chair factory, or a blind, door and sash factory, could reap a
profit on an investment here. Owing to the propinquity of coal,
glass sand, and fire clays, both a glass factory, and fire brick
works could be successfully located at this point. Especially is
this true, because it is the policy of the West Virginia Central
and Pittsburg Railroad to foster such enterprises,

The population of this town has grown to number almost a
thousand people. They are an intelligent, quiet, business peo-
ple, who are interested in the growth of the place. Both churches
and schools are here, so that the better plane of human nature
may be cultivated. The scenery around Bayard is peculiarly
attractive, and it is tlie concensus of opinion of those in a posi-
tion to know, that the place will grow in the future.

(2) Mr. George Rees, a son of Mr. C. B. Rees, has the management of this
plant, and, although a young man, is not only deeply interested in West Vir-
ginia's development, but possesses more than ordinary knowledge on the sub-
ject of its resources.

(3) Bayard lies in a region that is quite prolific in minerals. Some ten
thousand acres of coal land, owned by The Bayard Coal and Coke Company,
and Senator Davis, show a line deposit of coal, fire, and pottery clays, and glass
sand. The property of The Bayard Coal and Coke Company is well developed
with respect to these minerals. The coal seams show a thickness of some five
feetof bituminous coal, while the fire clays average two to three feet. The glass
sand is the refractory, granular quartz that is such admirable material for the
manufacture of Hint glass. This grade of sand has been pronounced superior
by the glass works at Fairmont.

220 Heritage of the 1 rans- Alleghany Pioneers, or,

DAVIS.

Davis is probably the largest town on the line of the West
Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad. (1) On reaching what
may be termed the top of the Alleghany Mountains, we come to
Thomas, where the large coal and coke works of the "Davis and
Elkins11 plant is located. A branch road running eastward for
six miles, conveys us to Davis, a thriving town of some fifteen
hundred people, who derive their support from the coal works,
and manufacturing industries at the place. The town is located
in Tucker County, and may be considered a growing place.
The following manufacturing industries are there : two large
lumber plants, a tannery, and some minor ones. Davis would
be another point which would be fine for the location of wood-
working plants, since the place has proven a good point for the
industries already established there. It possesses the raw
material, which could be successfully operated. Fire-clays, and
some iron ore, exist in the section, that could be profitably
utilized. Davis is a very progressive place in a mercantile and
financial sense. The large coal and coke works nearby, as well
as manufacturing industries, in the town, has established a basis
for mercantile trade. This is increased by that of the surround-
ing country, which does much of its trading there. The result
is, both commercial and monied institutions are here, and on a
firm basis.

Scholastic facilities are good, and the people intelligent,
industrious, and business-like. Owing to its fine climate, and
high elevation, Davis should be a fine summer resort.

(1) This place is named after Senator Davis. If the town imitates his
spirit of development,sand exercises the judgment, prudence, ?and foresight
evinced by him, it will soon be a large city.

Resources of Central We it Virginia. 221

ELKINS.

Elkins, situated in Randolph County, on the line of the West
Virginia Central Railroad, is at present the virtual terminus of
the line, although two branches run from this point : one to
Beverly, the county seat of Randolph, and the other to Beling-
ton. In many respects, the town is the most prosperous, owing
to its favored location, and the patronage extended to it by the
railway company. (1) The place is located in a lovely valley,
bordering the northeastern banks of Tygart's Valley River,
and a more admirable sight for a future city could not have
been chosen. The West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad
Company has chosen this point for the location of their engine
and car shops, both in the constructing and repair line. The
buildings erected are of the handsomest, and most substantial
kind in their "way, and employ a large force to turn out the work
of construction and repair. The advantage of such a plant may
be well imagined, since the majority of the operatives live here.
The town has at present some 800 people, and may be said to be
increasing.

The place is unusually well based in a material, mercantile,
and financial way. The necessity of supplying the large number
of employees with the necessaries, and commodities of life, has
drawn an unusually good class of merchants here. The superi-
ority of these, over those of the surrounding country, draws a
great deal of the trade of the latter to this point. The town
possesses in addition to the handsome plants we have named,
several industries in lumber, which add to its material prosperity.
It has also an electric light plant, and is on the road to material
growth.

The class of architecture in Elkins is of a very superior class.
The shops alluded to, are models of architectural work. Hotel
Randolph, the residences of Hon. S. B. Elkins, and ex-Senator
H. Gr. Davis, are all beautiful, and add materially to the general
make-up of the place.

The town has good schools, churches, and is settled by an
industrious, intelligent set of people.

(1) This town is named after Hon. S. B. Elkins, late Secretary of War
under President Harrison's administration.

222 Heritage of the Trans- Alleghany Pioneers.

CONCLUSION.

From the foregoing short and imperfect sketches of the towns
we have named, the reader will see that much has been omitted
that could have been truthfully and advantageously said. But
the treatment in the main body of the work, of the resources of
Central West Virginia, required so much time, and space, that
the latter subject was necessarily treated in a limited manner.
Still, enough has been written to give the reader an idea of the
places, and to show that with the resources, and transportation
facilities surrounding, they are necessarily obliged to become
important factors in the future make-up of Central West
Virginia.

l'HK E.XD.

INDEX

CHAPTER I.— Page 7.

First Adventurers of West Virginia, West of the Blue Ridge
Mountains. — Col. Abraham Wood. — Expedition of Captain
Batte. and Party. — Governor Spottswood and His Knights. —
Cols. Patton and Buchanan. — The Ingles' Party. — Draper's
Meadows Settlements in Montgomery. — Pioneer Settlers in
West Virginia. — Settlements on the Ohio River. — On the
Buckhannon, and the Elk Rivers. — Early Pioneers on the
Monogahela, West Fork and Tygart's Valley Rivers. — Grad-
ual Settlement of the Sections until the War of 1774.

CHAPTER II— Page 23.

War Between the White Settlers and Indians.— Causes Which
Led to It. — Indian Raids upon the Settlers. — Difficulties
Between the English and French. — Treaty of 1763. — Colonel
Bouquet's Expedition. — Sir William Johnson's Treaty of 1765.
Capt. Cresap's Party. — Daniel Greathouse's Attack upon the
Indians. — Exasperation of the Latter. — Gen. Andrew Lewis.
His Expedition. — Lord Dunmore's Movements. — Battle of
Point Pleasant. — The Result of the Same. — Its Effect upon
the Indians. — The Indian Chieftain Logan. — The Murder of
Cornstalk and Others. — Increase of Emigration Westward. —
The Indians Move Farther West. — Peace Reigns.

CHAPTER III.— Page 38.

The Early Pioneers' Settlement. — Mode of Life of the Early Set-
tlers.— Their Way of Living. — Their Laws, Morals, Manners,
Customs, and Amusements. — Rapid Improvement in the
Earlier Part of the Nineteenth Century.

CHAPTER IV.— Page 46.

Counties Composing this Region. — Boundaries of the Same. —
Area of Square Miles — Topography of the Country. — Scenery,
Climate, Soil.

CHAPTER V.— Page 59.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad System. — Its Extent, as a
National System. — Its Development of this Section. — Bear-
ing on the Region of which We are Writing. — Its Present
Policy towards West Virginia. — C. K. Lord, Third Vice-
President. — Charles O. Scull, General Passenger Agent. — B.
and 0. Field. — M. V. Richards, Land and Immigration Agent.
His Policy for Developing the Resources. — Something of the
Service of the Baltimore and Ohio Line. — Royal Blue Line.
Pittsburg and Southern Route.

CHAPTER VI.— Page 68.

The Ohio River Railroad. — Its Earlier History. — Bearing on this
Section. — Its Present Status, Management, and Condition.—
Number of Miles Operated, and Financial State of the
Company.

CHAPTER VII.— Page 72.

West Virginia and Pittsburg Bailroad.— Its Earlier History. —
The Weston and West Fork Railroad. -Early Incorporators.
Clarksburg, Weston, and Glenville Railroad, and Transport-
ation Company. — Hon. J. N. Camden. — The Narrow Gauge
Railroad. — Doctor A. H. Kunst. — Buckhannon and West
Fork Railroad. — Weston and Centreville Railroad. — Weston
and Elk River Railroad. — Consolidation. — Buckhannon River
Railroad. — Further Merger of all Lines into the West Virginia
and Pittsburg Railroad. — Construction of the Broad Gauge.
Extension of Line to Pickens, and Camden-on-Gauley. —
Number of Miles of Road. — Country Penetrated. — Present
Management and Condition of the System. — Its Geographi-
cal Feature.

CHAPTER VIII.— Page 83.

The Monongahela River Railroad. — Its Route and Distance. —
Cause of Its Construction.— The Vast Mineral Field it Pene-
trates. — Its Bearing on this Section. — Effects of Its Con-
struction on the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. — Its
Future Part in this State. — Management of the Line. — H. G.
Bowles. — Its Service and Equipment. — Traffic Receipts in
Coal.

CHAPTER IX.— Page 89.

West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad. — Territory
Traversed by the Same. — Inception of the Road, and Cause
of Its Construction. — Ex-Senator Henry G. Davis. — Exten-
sion and Growth of the System. — Hon. S. B. Elkins. —
Development Inaugurated Along Its Line. — Present Status.
Management, Service, and Equipment of the System. — Its
Financial State.— Its Probable Future.

CHAPTER X.— Page 98.

Agricultural Resources — Products of the Section — Stock Grazing.
Horticulture. — Fruit Culture. — Grape Culture — Dairy Farm-
ing.— System of Culture in the Region. — Uncultivated Lands..
General Remarks on the Subject.

CHAPTER XL— Page 10G.

Timber Interest in this Section.— Different Varieties. — Hard-
woods.— Virgin Forests. — Manufacture of Timber. — Facili-
ties of the Section for Woodworking Plants. — Description of
some Lumber Plants in Operation.

CHAPTER XII.— Page 115.
Geological Structure of this Section. — Carboniferous Age. — Ar-
rangement of the Rocks. — Sub-Carboniferous. — Carbonifer-
ous Sandstones — Shales.— Conglomerates. — Limestones.—
Coarse Sandstones. — Minerals Generally Deposited in these
Rocks.

CHAPTER XIII.— Page 120.

Mineral Resources of Central West Virginia. — Coal. — Descrip-
tion of the Territory. — Division of the same into Fields Ac-
cording to Measures. — Pittsburg Seam of the Upper Series.

The Ohio River Field.— The Fairmont Field.— The Jackson
Field.— The Clarksburg Field.— The Conglomerate Meas-
ures.— Upshur, Braxton, Webster, and Nicholas. — The Up-
per and Lower Freeport. — The Upper, Middle, and Lower
Kittanning. — The (Marion Beds. — Camden-on-Ganley Field,
with Ganley and Elk. — West Virginia Central and Pitts-
burg Fields.

CHAPTER XIV.— Page 184.

Mineral Resources of West Virginia Continued. — Petroleum —
Oil Wells of this Region. — Sistersville. — Eureka-Belmont. —
Marion County Oil Field.— Production of the Present Time.
Natural Gas. — Salt Region in this Section.

CHAPTER XV.— Page 141.

Mineral Resources of Central West Virginia Continued. — Metal-
lic Ores : Iron and Plumbago. — Rocks : Grey, Blue, and
Pink Sandstones. — Grit Rocks. — Similar Resemblance to
Buhrstones. — Limestone. — Marble. — Gypsum.

CHAPTER XVI.— Page 153.

Mineral Resources of West Virginia. Continued. — Slates. — Draw-
ing Slate. —Earthly Minerals. — Fire Clav. — Brick Clay. —
Potter's Clay. — Glass Sand. — General Resume of Mineral
Resources of Central West Virginia.

CHAPTER XVII.— Page 159.

Financial Aspect of this Section of West Virginia. — Valuation
of Real Property- — Valuation of Personal Property. — Bank-
ing Facilities. — Investments in this Region. — Results of the
Same.

CHAPTER XVIIL— Page 1(53.

Educational Facilities of Central West Virginia. — Systems of

' Schools. — Normal and Common Schools. — Colleges.— General

Remarks on the Subject. — Christian Privileges.— Social

Status. — Population of the Region. — Probable Future of the

Region.

CHAPTER XIX.— Page 17o.

Parkersburg. — Location and Situation of the City. — It's Posi-
tion as a Commercial Centre. — Manufacturing Interests. —
Pecuniary Facilities. — Educational Features. — Population.
Social Status of the Place.

CHAPTER XX.— Page 181.

Clarksburg. — Its Favorable Location for a Large City. — Coun-
try Surrounding It.— Agricultural and Mineral Wealth. —
Transportation Facilities. — Cause of Clarksburg's Want of
Growth. — Antagonistic Spirit Against Improvement De-
creasing.—Thomas Moore Jackson. — R. T. Lowndes. — Fu-
ture of the Place.

CHAPTER XXL— Page 188.

Fairmont. — County Seat of Marion. — Location and Situation.
Manufacturing- Industries. — Commercial and Financial As-
pect.— Population of the Town. — General Remarks.

CHAPTER XXII.— Page 191.

Weston. — County Seat of Lewis. — Situation and Surroundings
of the Town. — Insane Asylum. — Central Point of West Vir-
ginia and Pittsburg Railroad. — Mercantile and Financial
Aspect. — Manufacturing Industries. — Educational and Social
Sphere of the Town. — Prominent People.

CHAPTER XXIIL— Page 195.

Buckhannon. — Location and Situation. — Growth of the Place. —
Present Mercantile and Manufacturing Interest of the Town.
Scholastic Features. — Pickens. — Its Wonderful Growth. —
Manufacturing Industries There. — G. M. Whitescarver.

CHAPTER XXIV.— Page 201.

Sutton. — Its Location on the Banks of Elk River. — County Seat
of Braxton. — Population. — Manufacturing Industries. — Lum-
ber Shipments. — Commercial Aspect. — Some General Re-
marks on the Place. — Camden-on-Gauley. — Southern Termi-
nus of the West Virginia and Pittsburg Railroad. — Manufac-
turing Interests There. — Advantages of Camden-on-Gauley
as a Summer Resort. — Hotel Camden. — Col. J. A. Fickenger.
Captain J. W. Mudd. — Some Remarks as to Camden-on-
Gauley's Future.

CHAPTER XXV.— Page 309.

Grafton. — Cause of Its Growth. — Situation and Location of the
Town. — -Manufacturing Interests. — Divisional Termination.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. — Population of the Place.

CHAPTER XXVL— Page 212.

Location of Piedmont. — A Divisional Point on the Baltimore
and Ohio. — Westernport. — Manufacturing Interests Located
There. — Formerly. Terminus of West Virginia Central and
Pittsburg Railroad.— Population. — Educational Facilities. —
General Remarks.

CHAPTER XXVIL— Page 217.

Towns along the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad.
Bavai'd. — Davis. — El kins. — Conclusion.

Errata.— Chapter XVIII, Note 1, page 166, "over two years
of age," should read, "over twenty-one years of age."

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